CanadaDoes the airline have to provide meals and accommodation during long delays?
Yes, under Canada’s Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR), airlines must provide meals, refreshments, accommodation, and communication services during certain long delays — but only for flights to, from, or within Canada operated by licensed carriers.
What the Law Says
The legal duty for airlines to provide care during delays comes from regulations made under two federal statutes — the Aeronautics Act and the Canada Transportation Act. These laws empower regulators to set clear, enforceable standards for passenger treatment.
The Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR), which came into force on May 15, 2019, are the key rules that spell out exactly what airlines must do during delays. They apply to all flights to, from, or within Canada operated by licensed Canadian air carriers — and to foreign carriers on flights to or from Canada.
Under the APPR, if a flight is delayed by more than 2 hours, the airline must provide passengers with food and drink, access to washrooms, and timely updates. If the delay extends past 6 hours and requires an overnight stay, the airline must also provide hotel accommodation, transportation to and from the hotel, and two free phone calls or emails.
For tarmac delays (when the aircraft is on the ground with doors closed), airlines must not keep passengers on board for more than 3 hours without deplaning — unless safety, security, or air traffic control prevents it.
Statutory TextGovernor in Council may make regulations respecting obligations of carriers towards passengers including denied boarding, delays, cancellations, lost baggage and tarmac delays.
— Aeronautics Act, s. 4.9 — Air passenger protection regulations
Statutory TextThe Agency shall make regulations respecting flights to, from and within Canada regarding obligations of carriers towards passengers.
— Canada Transportation Act, s. 85.1 — Air passenger protection
What to Do
Check if your flight is covered: APPR applies to all flights to/from/within Canada operated by licensed carriers (including foreign airlines flying into Canada).
Ask the airline for food, drinks, and updates at the 2-hour mark — they must provide them without you having to request compensation.
If your delay exceeds 6 hours and involves an overnight stay, ask for hotel accommodation, transport, and two free communications.
Keep receipts for any reasonable expenses you pay out-of-pocket (e.g., food or transit) — you may be reimbursed if the airline failed in its duty.
File a complaint with the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) within one year if the airline refuses required care: https://otc-cta.gc.ca/eng/complaints
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.