Metro Vancouverites may not face the widespread flight cancellations experienced during the pandemic. But 2024 included some major travel disruptions for a variety of reasons.
From a possible strike with the country’s flag carrier to one of only two remaining low-cost carriers abruptly shutting down operations, several hurricanes affecting flights from Vancouver and extensive WestJet flight cancellations, locals had many reasons to feel concerned about the status of their trips.
On top of that, one of the top travel destinations for residents of the Great White North, Cuba, was plunged into darkness following an island-wide power outage that lasted days.
Have a look at the top travel stories that impacted Metro Vancouverites in 2024.
Vancouver travellers braced for possible Air Canada strike
On Aug. 22, the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) Canada, the union representing Air Canada’s pilots, said the pilots voted “overwhelmingly in favour” to authorize the union’s leaders to call a strike.
Although Air Canada reached an 11th-hour deal with its pilots’ union, many travellers cancelled flights and accepted refunds or rebooking offers after the airline said flight cancellations were “likely.”
Metro Vancouverite Shauna Louise expressed concern about the possible job action on X/Twitter, sharing: “I leave for Japan in two weeks on Air Canada.”
Another frustrated traveller wrote that she couldn’t afford to pay for a new flight. Her original option cost $550, and she now looks at options over $900.
Lynx Air shuts down
One of Canada’s low-cost carriers shut down operations after only a couple of years in the air.
Lynx Air announced on Feb. 22 that it was ceasing operations due to fierce market competition, surging fuel costs, rising operating costs, exchange rates, and increasing airport charges.
Hundreds of travellers were stranded at the 11th hour thanks to the airline’s abrupt decision.
The Calgary-based airline launched its first flight to Vancouver on April 7, 2022, with prices starting at a jaw-dropping $49. It increased its network to include several cities across Canada, with service connecting Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to places like Kelowna, Edmonton and Montreal.
The airline was one of Canada’s only remaining low-cost carriers following the dissolution of WestJet’s budget brand Swoop in the fall of 2023. Flair Airlines remains the country’s only low-cost option.
Metro Vancouver travellers were angry about extensive WestJet flight cancellations
WestJet continued to cancel dozens of flights daily over a week after a brutal hailstorm wreaked havoc on Calgary International Airport (YYC) in August.
Passengers questioned how the airline was preemptively cancelling flights but rebooking customers on the same day.
Christa Barberis was scheduled to depart Vancouver International Airport (YVR) on Aug. 12 at 12:50 p.m. but received a text message at 1:18 a.m. stating she was rebooked on a flight leaving that morning at 8:20 a.m.
“Needless to say, I was unable to get that flight as I had no idea of the cancellation/rebooking while I slept,” she told V.I.A.
Many customers also expressed frustration with the WestJet callback service. Some said they were directed to phone the airline if they needed immediate help but it was impossible to get through.
One person tried to use the callback service on Aug. 13 and was informed the earliest available date to speak to a customer service representative was Aug.16.
Other customers struggled to get compensation from the airline, saying they were owed money from the airline due to flight cancellations and delays.
Hurricane Helene, Hurricane Milton, Hurricane Beryl, and other major hurricanes
Flights headed to parts of the Caribbean, Central America, and several southern U.S. cities were cancelled due to several powerful hurricanes in 2024.
The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season is considered one of the deadliest in decades. According to the U.S. National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the season saw 18 named storms and 11 hurricanes; five were considered “major.”
The season started on June 19 with tropical storm Alberto and was followed by Hurricane Beryl, the earliest Category 5 hurricane, which caused extensive flooding in Texas and Louisiana. After a period of storm inactivity, Hurricane Francine kicked off another round of storms, making landfall in Louisiana as a Category 2.
Hurricane Helene struck the U.S. Florida Gulf Coast on Sept. 26 as a Category 4, causing catastrophic flooding and over 150 deaths. NOAA says it is the “deadliest hurricane to affect the continental United States since Hurricane Katrina in 2005.”
Hundreds of flights were cancelled to major U.S. airports in Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, including dozens on routes directly from or connecting with YVR.
Several hurricanes followed after Helene, including a period where three of them were active simultaneously: Leslie, Milton and Kirk. NOAA says this is the first time three have been active simultaneously after September.
Canada’s top airlines implemented flexible policies for travellers with flights booked to or from areas in the path of Hurricane Milton. The hurricane caused hundreds of millions of dollars in damages in Florida.
Power outages in Cuba
As one of the top travel destinations for Canucks, the sweeping power outages across the island nation affected travel plans for thousands of people.
The Caribbean island was completely plunged into darkness on Oct. 18, following a massive power outage. Hurricane Oscar struck the country’s eastern coast, leaving six dead and worsening the energy crisis.
Some homes went up to eight hours a day without electricity. The blackout’s impact goes beyond lighting, as services like water supply also depend on electricity to run pumps.
Only weeks later, Hurricane Beryl swept across a western portion of Cuba about 75 kilometres west of Havana, destroying over 400 homes, knocking out the country’s power grid and damaging other infrastructure.
The Canadian government has upgraded its Cuban travel advisory, advising travellers to exercise a high degree of caution due to “shortages of basic necessities including food, medicine and fuel.”
Air Canada, WestJet and Sunwing introduced flexible change policies for customers with flights impacted by the energy crisis and the hurricanes.
With files from the Associated Press
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