Whether in planes, trains or automobiles, it’s been a tough day for anyone trying to get around Metro Vancouver.
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is experiencing delays due to “significant winter weather conditions.” A number of flights within the province have also been cancelled at YVR due to the weather.
WATCH: Transit delays, flight delays to the snow in Metro Vancouver
“As airports only allow aircraft to take off and land at a set rate, YVR has also reduced the number of aircraft that can take off and land safely due to the winter weather conditions, and we have delayed and cancelled some flights to meet these requirements,” read an email from YVR staff.
By 4:30 p.m., the airport had seen 10 centimetres of snow, and officials say they are expecting another four by 2 a.m.
Weather was winding down at the airport around 5 p.m., but passengers were still seeing a number of delays and cancellations.
Airport crews were continuing to clear runways, taxiways and aprons, and de-ice planes so they could depart safely.
“We are fully staffed for winter weather operations through the remainder of the night and into the weekend as needed,” YVR said in a statement.
One passenger at YVR shared his frustrations after his flight experienced significant delays.Sameer Kajani said the WestJet flight bound for Phoenix was supposed to leave at 9:15 a.m. on Friday, but has been in the tarmac for almost five hours.
“It’s a full flight babies, kids, and we’ve had a glass of water and pretzels,” said Kajani.
He says passenger shave also been told the delay cause crew members to reach overtime so they have to get off the plane.
“Everyone is furious, you know the tempers, people are getting pretty livid, people are angry,” he said. “It’s havoc.”
Harbour Air has cancelled all of the flights for the day. Abbotsford Airport’s website says there are currently no delays.
For passengers on the transit system, it was an equally challenging day.
Commuters experienced delays with detours and cancellations on multiple bus routes. HandyDART services were “essential services only” in all areas due to the heavy snowfall.
Passengers on the Canada Line were left stranded mid afternoon after a track issue near Bridgeport Station. Even after the issue was resolved, the combination of poor weather and high volume meant it took some time for delays to die down.
Translink CEO Kevin Desmond said staff have been anticipating the blustery conditions today, saying there’s a “snow desk” set up for TransLink’s communications centre.
“On the bus side, which really manages the adverse weather for the entire system and being in communication, it is a problem on the roads and then there’s snow and ice accumulation on the roads,” said Desmond.
“We’re talking to the cities where we trying to clear the way for the buses to get through.”
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