Air Canada is under fire after dozens of passengers were left stranded overnight at Toronto Pearson International Airport following a delayed flight. The incident has sparked outrage among travellers, many of whom were forced to sleep on the floor due to a lack of accommodation or support from the airline.
The flight, originally scheduled to depart on time, was delayed due to operational issues. Passengers claim they were given little information and no alternative arrangements, leaving them with no choice but to camp out in the terminal.
Passengers Describe Chaotic Scenes
One passenger, who wished to remain anonymous, described the situation as "a complete mess." "We were told to wait, but no one from Air Canada came to help. There were elderly people and families with young children just lying on the floor," they said.
Another traveller shared a video on social media showing rows of exhausted passengers using jackets and bags as makeshift pillows. The footage quickly went viral, drawing criticism from other air travellers who have experienced similar issues.
Air Canada Responds
In a statement, Air Canada acknowledged the delay and apologised for the inconvenience. The airline cited "unforeseen operational challenges" but did not provide specifics. They also stated that affected passengers would receive compensation in line with regulations.
However, many passengers remain unsatisfied, arguing that the airline's response was inadequate. "An apology doesn’t change the fact that we were treated poorly," said one frustrated traveller.
Growing Frustration with Airline Service
This incident adds to a growing list of complaints against Air Canada and other airlines over poor customer service and frequent delays. Aviation experts suggest that staffing shortages and increased post-pandemic travel demand have contributed to these issues.
Passenger rights advocates are calling for stricter enforcement of compensation rules and better communication from airlines during disruptions.
For now, those affected by the Toronto delay are left waiting—not just for their refunds, but for meaningful improvements in how airlines handle such situations.
