CanadaWhat compensation am I entitled to if my flight is cancelled or significantly delayed in Canada?
If your flight is cancelled or significantly delayed in Canada, you may be entitled to compensation, refunds, and care (e.g., food, accommodation) under the Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR), which are made under the Aeronautics Act and Canada Transportation Act.
What the Law Says
The legal basis for air passenger rights in Canada comes from two federal statutes that authorize the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) to make binding rules about airline obligations — including for cancellations and delays.
The Aeronautics Act gives the Governor in Council authority to make regulations on airline obligations toward passengers, covering denied boarding, delays, cancellations, lost baggage, and tarmac delays.
The Canada Transportation Act reinforces this by requiring the CTA to make regulations specifically for flights to, from, and within Canada — ensuring consistent passenger protections regardless of airline origin or destination.
These powers led to the Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR), which came into force in 2019. The APPR set clear, enforceable standards — including mandatory refunds, fixed compensation amounts, and requirements for care (e.g., meals, hotels, communication) — when flights are cancelled or delayed by 3 hours or more.
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 Courts Have Said
The Supreme Court of Canada recently confirmed the legal foundation for air passenger protections in Canada — upholding the CTA’s authority to regulate airlines’ obligations.
The SCC unanimously upheld the CTA’s jurisdiction to create and enforce the Air Passenger Protection Regulations, rejecting challenges by airline industry groups. The Court confirmed that both the Aeronautics Act and Canada Transportation Act empower the CTA to impose obligations on domestic and international carriers operating in Canada.
What to Do
Contact your airline immediately to request a full refund (for cancellations) or rebooking — you’re entitled to either, not just credit.
If your flight is delayed by 3+ hours or cancelled, ask for care: meals, drinks, hotel (if overnight), and two free calls/emails.
File a written complaint with the airline within one year if compensation or care isn’t provided.
If unresolved, submit a dispute to the Canadian Transportation Agency via its online complaint portal.
Keep all receipts (meals, hotels, transport) — airlines must reimburse reasonable expenses incurred due to delay or cancellation.
Sources
Same Question, Other Jurisdictions
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JapanNot 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.