At least 15% of flights involving Vancouver airport cancelled Saturday amid snowstorm
CTV
Early on Saturday afternoon, B.C.'s Lower Mainland was seeing only light snow flurries, but 15 per cent of flights to and from Vancouver International Airport had already been cancelled in anticipation of the coming storm.
Early on Saturday afternoon, B.C.'s Lower Mainland was seeing only light snow flurries, but 15 per cent of flights to and from Vancouver International Airport had already been cancelled in anticipation of the coming storm.
YVR said in a statement that its weather models showed 15 to 25 centimetres of heavy, wet snow falling Saturday afternoon and evening, with the heaviest rate of snowfall expected between 7 p.m. and midnight.
"In collaboration with YVR, airlines have adjusted their schedules and cancelled a number of flights in and out of YVR, particularly during the evening hours," the airport said in its statement, adding that the cancellations equate to 15 per cent of its total flight volume for the day.
Some airlines have also delayed flights until after the heaviest snowfall is expected, YVR said.
"We are monitoring weather closely and working with airlines and our many partners to ensure as many passengers and planes get on their way as quickly and safely as possible," the statement reads.
Anyone with a flight departing Vancouver on Saturday is "strongly encouraged" to check their airline's website or the YVR website for flight status information before heading to the airport, YVR said.
Saturday's pre-emptively cancelled flights may not be the only ones affected by the storm.
