Delays possible as nearly 1,000 flights arrive and depart at Pearson Airport in Mississauga, Ontario today

Officials at Pearson Airport in Mississauga say their aircraft de-icing crews are out in full force again today as effects from the first blast of winter continue to stick around in the area.

They’re also encouraging travellers to check the status of their Thursday flights ahead of time as the weather could cause delays.

“Snow is falling and our de-icing operation is in full force. We’re expecting a total of 477 departures and 475 arrivals (today),” airport officials said in a social media post on Thursday morning. “Please check your flight status before coming to the airport as weather conditions could cause delays.”

This week’s first winter storm of the season is expected to be followed by even more snow this weekend, according to weather experts.

Pearson officials say they’ll be ready for any weather that arrives as their crews are equipped with the latest machines with which to clear snow and ice from runways.

They said at the outset of winter that they’re more than ready to clear the runways of heavy snow when it comes. More than 100 snow plows, tractors, trucks and other pieces of equipment are lined up to complete the task, they noted.

“With winter weather around the corner, our state-of-the-art snow removal equipment is ready to keep the runways clear so aircraft can land and take off safely during snow events,” Pearson officials said at the time.

By the numbers, the airport lists the following among its specialized snow removal vehicles and equipment:

• 40 snow plows
• 18 snow tractors
• 15 wheel loaders
• 14 de-icing trucks
• 12 snow blowers
• 7 front-mounted sweepers

(Cover photo: Pearson Airport)