The Delta Air Lines crash on February 18 has further complicated travel disruptions already faced by Toronto Pearson International Airport due to consecutive snowstorms, resulting in hundreds of canceled and delayed flights.
Delta Jet Crash Compounds Travel Woes at Toronto Airport Amid Ongoing Snowstorms
Delta Jet Crash Compounds Travel Woes at Toronto Airport Amid Ongoing Snowstorms
Severe weather conditions lead to intensified disruptions at Toronto Pearson International Airport following Delta Air Lines incident.
On February 18, 2025, the crash of a Delta Air Lines jet at Toronto Pearson International Airport intensified existing disruptions as the airport contended with severe weather conditions. The incident occurred during the jet's landing attempt amid significant snowfall that had already led to over 400 flight cancellations and more than 300 delays earlier that day, as reported by FlightAware.
Following the crash, operations were halted for over two hours, leading to the closure of two of the airport’s five runways. Normal operations resumed around 5 p.m.; however, throughout the prior weekend, the airport faced a significant backlog. Heavy snow, which accumulated to over eight inches, had already troubled air travel, causing a disruption of over 300 flights on the preceding Sunday and contributing to a record snowfall exceeding the total from January.
Airport crews have been laboring tirelessly to clear snow from the expansive 1,200 acres of the airport to facilitate the safe arrival and departure of flights. Despite these efforts, challenges continue as travelers deal with the aftermath of the double-whammy of winter storms and the recent crash incident. The scenario reflects not only the potential hazards of winter travel but also the capacity of infrastructure to adapt to extreme weather events.
As disruptions linger, passengers and airline staff must navigate the numerous challenges brought on by the combined effects of weather and the Delta incident at one of Canada’s busiest airports.
