Delays possible at Pearson Airport in Mississauga due to extreme cold
Published January 29, 2022 at 12:24 pm
Residents planning to be at Mississauga’s Pearson airport this weekend should expect potential delays due to the cold.
An “extreme cold” warning remains in effect today (Jan. 29) in Mississauga and much of Ontario.
“If you’re flying out of YYZ, please be patient with our crews as they work safely to get your plane in the air,” said Pearson Airport early this morning.
According to the airport, a major drop in temperatures can impact airport operations via freezing equipment and dangerous conditions for outdoor workers.
Cold temperatures may affect hydraulics and equipment needed to service a plane — such as tugs, bag carts and belt loaders — requiring the equipment to be heated up to ensure it works properly.
The extreme cold also impacts the outdoor workers and ground crews working to service the planes, making it more difficult for them to operate machinery used to move heavy loads or unload aircraft.
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“Due to these challenges, there can sometimes be delays in winter, even if there’s no snow or freezing rain,” according to the airport.
“If travelling on a day with a forecast for extremely cold weather, make sure to pack some patience as crews safely work to get your plane off the ground.”
The ongoing cold warning is calling for another period of extreme cold lasting from tonight until Sunday morning, with wind chill temperatures between -25 and -30 degrees Celsius.
All residents are advised to cover up or stay inside, and watch for cold-related symptoms: shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness and colour change in fingers and toes.
Risks are greater for young children, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, people working or exercising outdoors, and those without proper shelter.
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