Operations have recommenced at the Calgary International Airport after a brief halt earlier on Monday morning due to a snowstorm affecting much of southern Alberta. All incoming and outgoing flights were temporarily suspended around 9 a.m. as crews grappled with continuous and heavy snowfall in the city. The suspension was lifted around 10:25 a.m., as confirmed by the airport.
An airport spokesperson mentioned that delays are expected throughout the day due to winter weather conditions and advised travelers to check directly with their airlines for the latest flight updates. The snowfall led to a challenging and slow Monday morning commute for drivers in Calgary, resulting in 389 reported collisions, including 26 with injuries, and 50 non-injury hit-and-run incidents from midnight until 4 p.m.
According to Environment Canada, the snowfall is predicted to taper off by late afternoon, with accumulations of 10 to 15 centimeters in the city. Calgary Transit reported that approximately 50 buses were stuck on city roads, primarily in the northwest, due to slippery conditions, prompting the implementation of snow detours for the morning commute. The city is gradually replacing worn-out all-season tires on its bus fleets with all-weather tires, a process that won’t be completed until 2029.
The city emphasized the importance of monitoring changing weather conditions and preparing for snow-covered roads, ice, and limited visibility while commuting. South of Calgary, a snowfall of 10 to 20 centimeters is forecasted for Monday, with a snowfall warning issued for areas including Lethbridge, Taber, Cardston, Fort Macleod, and Pincher Creek in southern Alberta. The snowfall is expected to intensify during the day but diminish by the evening.
Travelers faced delays and disruptions due to the weather conditions, with some flights being delayed or canceled. Passengers like Julia Peck and Olayinka Tehinse had to adjust their travel plans, experiencing stress and uncertainty. Geologist Justin Lockhart, traveling to Kamloops, B.C., for work, faced a delay in his flight, impacting his subsequent journey to a mine upon arrival.
The airport, alongside other affected areas, is gradually returning to normal operations as the snowstorm subsides.