As light snow begins to fall around Metro Vancouver, the airport is bracing for potential setbacks due to the weather.
Around 15 per cent of today's flights will be delayed until the heaviest snowfall has passed or cancelled, according to Vancouver International Airport (YVR).
YVR is expecting 15 to 25 cm of "heavy, wet snow" in the afternoon and evening followed by rain, with the heaviest snowfall expected to happen between 7 p.m. and midnight. As such, evening flights are most affected by the measures.
"We are monitoring weather closely and working with airlines and our many partners to ensure as many passengers and planes get on their way as quickly and safely as possible," reads the media release issued at noon.
YVR is also warning that departures or arrivals in the evening may have to be paused for a short time due to "limited visibility as well as extreme rates of snowfall."
"Passengers should know that such a move is not taken lightly and is done with their safety top of mind working with our airline partners and other agencies," reads the release.
YVR announced on Friday that the airport's equipment and crews are ready for the snowfall, and airlines have been asked to ensure towing capacity to make sure empty planes don't get stuck at gates. It is also prepared to "optimize operations" by modifying its procedures for gating planes.
Passengers are advised to check the status of their flights on their airline's website or on yvr.ca before heading to the airport. Updates on YVR can also be found on Twitter (@yvrairport).
- With files from Elana Shepert
