Vancouver thunderstorms disrupt YVR flights with delays and cancellations

Flights at Vancouver International Airport continue to face disruptions Sunday after significant overnight thunderstorms forced airfield operations to stop for several hours.

YVR said lightning near the airport meant operations had to be suspended for the safety of employees and passengers.

Flights were unable to depart the airport between 9:30 PM on Saturday and 2:55 AM on Sunday because of the duration and intensity of the storm.

Many arriving aircraft were also unable to taxi to their gates after landing.

The disruption resulted in flight delays and some cancellations, according to an update issued by YVR on Sunday.

The airport said it activated its terminal response team on Saturday evening and Sunday and brought in additional staff from across the airport community to assist affected passengers.

Weather conditions have since improved, but some flights remain affected as airlines work to recover their schedules.

YVR said it is working with airline partners to get passengers moving as quickly as possible following the overnight disruption.

Travellers planning to fly from Vancouver on Sunday are being advised to check their flight status directly with their airline before travelling to the airport.