Skip to main content

Air Canada briefly grounds flights due to computer system problem

An Air Canada aircraft taxis at Vancouver International Airport after operations returned to normal after last week's snowstorm, in Richmond, B.C., on Dec. 26, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck An Air Canada aircraft taxis at Vancouver International Airport after operations returned to normal after last week's snowstorm, in Richmond, B.C., on Dec. 26, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
MONTREAL -

Air Canada briefly grounded its planes Thursday due to a problem with its computer system, delaying nearly half its flights.

A "technical issue" with the system the airline uses to communicate with aircraft and monitor their performance prompted a halt to operations, the Montreal-based company said.

"There have been some delays as a result, but the system is now returning to normal, and the precautionary ground stop has been lifted," said spokesman Peter Fitzpatrick in a statement Thursday afternoon.

"The effects were limited."

As of Thursday night, 241 Air Canada flights -- 46 per cent of its trips that day -- were delayed, according to tracking service FlightAware. That compares with about 35 per cent on Wednesday and 30 per cent on Tuesday.

Another 19 flights were also cancelled Thursday.

Air Canada said it advised Nav Canada and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration of the temporary freeze, which lasted about an hour.

The FAA posted an advisory stating all Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flights were put on hold "due to internal computer issues."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 25, 2023

YOUR FINANCES

OPINION

OPINION 6 ways to prepare your finances for a potential recession

Despite Canada's economic resilience in the face of rising interest rates, it's still important to be prepared in case a recession hits. In a column for CTVNews.ca, personal finance contributor Christopher Liew shares some practical tips and actionable advice to better weather any economic storm.

OPINION

OPINION Financial tips for newcomers to Canada, from an expert

For those who have recently immigrated to Canada, it's important to learn the basics of how the country's financial system works. Personal finance contributor Christopher Liew shares some financial tips around how to open a bank account, build your credit and file your taxes as a newcomer.

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

LIVE UPDATES

LIVE UPDATES War in Ukraine 'must end with our victory,' Zelenskyy tells Parliament as PM pledges $650M in aid

Addressing a joint session of Parliament, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy offered repeated thanks to Canada for its continued support for his country as it continues to defend itself from Russia's invasion. In his introductory remarks, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Canada will be making a $650 million 'multi-year commitment' for further Ukraine aid.

Stay Connected