Toronto: Hundreds of flights at Toronto Pearson International Airport were affected due to heavy snowfall that began on Friday, causing widespread delays in arrivals and departures.
According to the airport’s flight schedule, more than 70 per cent of incoming flights landed late, while departures were delayed by one to two-and-a-half hours. Air Traffic Control (ATC) sources said strict safety protocols were being followed to prevent aircraft from skidding on snow-covered runways.
They said cleaning crews were working continuously on all three runways, but granting immediate clearance for take-off or landing was not considered safe for several flights. An Air India flight to Delhi, scheduled to depart at 1.05 pm, took off nearly two-and-a-half hours late. Several other long-haul flights also departed behind schedule.
An ATC source said that due to landing risks, many smaller aircraft were asked to circle in the air for some time before being allowed to land. However, conditions improved to some extent by evening.
