Extreme cold may impact flight schedules at Pearson Airport in Mississauga

The cold snap may cause flight delays at Pearson Airport in Mississauga.

Environment Canada issued an extreme cold weather warning for today (Feb. 3) and into tomorrow.

Cold Arctic air will push wind chill values to -30 C today and early Saturday morning.

Pearson Airport asks travellers to be patient with crews as they work safely to get planes ready to fly today.

“Extremely low temperatures can affect operating equipment and the outdoor ground crews who service planes,” Pearson explains on its website.

Cold temperatures can affect equipment and hydraulics and a lot of this equipment must be heated up to work properly.

The weather can also be tough on outdoor workers.

“When a plane arrives at a gate, and until it departs for its next flight, there is a ground crew working to service the plane.”

Crews are responsible for loading and unloading baggage, refuelling, and guiding planes to the gate.

“Double-digit lows are challenging for these airport workers and can be dangerous if they’re outside for a long time,” the airport notes. “Extreme cold can impair their ability to work safely and make it more difficult to operate machinery used to move heavy loads or unload aircraft.”

Workers need breaks in between incoming or outgoing flights to warm up in sheltered areas. But outdoor crews are also outfitted with winter gloves, coats and hats so that they’re prepared for the elements.

“Due to these challenges, there can sometimes be delays in winter, even if there’s no snow or freezing rain.”

It’s a cold one today, Toronto! ❄️ If you’re flying out of YYZ, please be patient with crews as they work safely to get your plane in the air. Learn more about how cold weather impacts airport operations: https://t.co/eRaohx1jqk

— Toronto Pearson (@TorontoPearson) February 3, 2023