Canadian airports busy after US air traffic shutdown

Toronto: Canadian airports are still recovering after a problem in the United States disrupted flights across North America. US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stopped flights for more than four hours. It blamed communications issues at air traffic control centres. CBC reported that the problem began when an upgrade knocked out an old air traffic control system.

Thousands of travellers were affected. Toronto Pearson International Airport called in extra staff for a busy Saturday. It warned that some flights were still cancelled or delayed and asked travellers to check with their airline before going to the airport.

Porter Airlines said affected passengers were rebooked on the next available flight. Those who cannot use the new booking will get a refund.

Travellers should expect more disruption. Porter said its schedules will probably take the weekend to return to normal.