Review of Canadian Airports for Easter 2025: Potential Travel Delays
One of Canada's most significant family travel times, Easter sees airports bustling with activity. In March 2024, over 150 million passengers navigated through Canada's top eight airports. However, during the Easter rush, only 71.5% of flights departed on schedule, with a cancellation rate of 2.7%. Unfortunately, not a single Canadian airport was spared from delays. ranked in the top 20 worldwide for on-time performance in 2024.
- Airports Most Prone to Delays
- Best Bets for On-Time Travel
- Best Delay Experience Index
- Notable Mentions
How our index works
For each airport, we generated scores out of 10 in three major categories:
- Passenger Traffic (analyzed using March 2024 data)
- OTP History (based on 2023–24 delay data)
- Meteorological Challenges (based on real conditions from April 17–24, 2024)
In situations where up-to-date On-Time Performance (OTP) information was not accessible, we relied on a blended estimation derived from historical reliability assessments, such as public airport rankings, media reports, and statistics from 2022/2023, while also considering airport size and operational intricacies. Airports without clear data were given a standard score of either 6 or 7 out of 10, indicating average reliability based on the evidence available.
The compiled scores were then used to predict the likelihood of travelers facing delays—whether due to meteorological, volume-related, or operational causes.
Airports Most Likely to Experience Delays
Explore our interactive map to see how delay probabilities compare among the top eight airports across the nation.
Based on our analysis, the odds of facing uninterrupted travel this Easter are the lowest at:
- Toronto Pearson (YYZ) – Known as Canada's most trafficked airport, it faces the challenges of large crowds, erratic spring weather, and a history of delayed departures.
- Montréal-Trudeau (YUL) – With more than 760,000 travelers in March 2024, compounded by spring showers and an earlier 2023 delay rate of 1 in 3 flights, the odds of delays stand at about 1 in 4.
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Best Bets for On-Time Travel
- In contrast, Vancouver International Airport (YVR) achieved the lowest risk assessment, attributed to mild seasonal weather and efficient management.
- Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) is less likely to experience prolonged waits (1 in 7 chance) due to the East Coast's gentler spring conditions, sparse passenger numbers, and reduced congestion.
“Our goal was to empower Canadian travelers to make informed decisions and truly enjoy their Easter getaways,” stated Alan Penny, Editor-in-Chief. CasinoBonusCA “A bit of foreknowledge concerning airport risks can greatly lessen travel stress, enhancing the overall experience.”
| Airport | Description | Score | Estimated Odds of Being Stuck |
|---|---|---|---|
Halifax (YHZ) |
Halifax, though breezy and damp, presented stable weather conditions with minimal congestion. With fewer than 140,000 March travelers, it ranks as one of the less hectic spots this Easter. |
21 |
1 in 7 |
Vancouver (YVR) |
April's mild and dry weather in Vancouver created ideal flying conditions to counter heavy traffic, cementing its status as one of Canada's most dependable air travel hubs. |
20 |
1 in 7 |
Edmonton (YEG) |
Sub-zero temperatures near -7°C in April 2024 indicated possible frost, yet in general, it remained drier. Moderate On-Time Performance and lighter traffic make it a safer choice. |
20 |
1 in 6 |
Calgary (YYC) |
Calgary's end-of-April weather remained cold yet clear, necessitating less de-icing and showing improved On-Time Performance compared to the peak winter period. With 544,000 passengers in March, it occupies a moderate standing. |
20 |
1 in 6 |
Winnipeg (YWG) |
Winnipeg, although cold and snowy in March, had started warming significantly by April, reaching highs of around 17°C. Nonetheless, fluctuating lows around freezing maintained the frost risk. |
19 |
1 in 5 |
Ottawa (YOW) |
Ottawa experienced showers and cool temperatures during Easter 2024. With 185,000 March travelers and average On-Time Performance, it remains in the middle tier. |
19 |
1 in 5 |
Montréal-Trudeau (YUL) |
Montreal saw 762,000 passengers in March 2024, with 33.5% experiencing flight delays in 2023. While early spring storms transitioned to milder, albeit cloudy and wet, late April weather. |
15 |
1 in 4 |
Toronto Pearson (YYZ) |
Canada's premier airport processed 1.6 million travelers in March 2024 and had the second-poorest On-Time Performance in North America during 2023, with over 35% of flights late. April's improved weather score was insufficient to offset enduring crowds and delay records. |
13 |
1 in 3 |
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Best Delay Experience Index
No one desires an airport delay. Yet, some airports are adept in providing superior amenities, services, and leisure options during wait times.
Best Airport for Lounge Around: Vancouver International (YVR) – 82.95
- Highest overall rating (88%)
- Clean and easy to navigate
- Well-managed passenger volume
- Drawbacks: High dining costs and limited seating near domestic gates.
Worst Airport for Being Stuck: Edmonton International (YEG) – 76.65
- Easy to navigate, not too busy
- Few food and beverage options
- Lower-rated lounges
Notable Mentions
- Winnipeg (YWG) – 81.35 The Quiet & Clean Choice –Features strong WiFi and lounges, but few dining choices.
- Toronto Pearson (YYZ) – 77.50 Crowded and Confusing –Despite being heavily trafficked, it struggles with insufficient seating, poor lounges, and unclean restrooms.
- Montréal-Trudeau (YUL) – 77.10 Costly Pause –Expect lengthy security queues and overpriced dining, albeit with a decent variety.
Methodology
To rank the most accommodating Canadian airports during delays, we evaluated five core aspects:
- Flight Radar General Rating:An aggregate satisfaction score from FlightRadar users.
- Food & Shopping:The availability and quality of dining and retail, crucial for prolonged waiting times.
- Internet Connectivity:WiFi speed and consistency, essential for entertainment or work purposes.
- Lounges:The comfort and availability of lounges, enhancing experiences for those seeking extra comfort.
- User Insights:Feedback from patrons regarding each of the top eight Canadian airports.
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* data source – transport Canada