New Rules Clarify When Travellers Are Compensated for Flight Disruptions

Travellers hold hands as they pass others lining up at the Ottawa International Airport, as airlines cancel or delay flights during a major storm in Ottawa, on Dec. 23, 2022. The Canadian Press/Justin Tang

The federal government is proposing new rules surrounding airlines’ obligations to travellers whose flights are disrupted, even when delays or cancellations are caused by an “exceptional circumstance” outside of carriers’ control.

The Canadian Transportation Agency’s amendments to the Air Passenger Protection Regulations, announced Saturday, would require carriers to provide meals to passengers whose flights are delayed at least two hours, along with overnight accommodation if necessary.