CanadaWhat is the airline's obligation if I am stuck on the tarmac for hours?
In Canada, airlines must provide food, water, working lavatories, and climate control within specific time limits during tarmac delays — and must deplane passengers after 3 hours for domestic flights or 4 hours for international flights, unless safety or security prevents it.
What the Law Says
The Aeronautics Act authorizes regulations that set clear, enforceable obligations for airlines during tarmac delays. These rules are detailed in the Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR), made under section 4.9 of the Act.
Under Canada’s Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR), airlines must take specific actions when a flight is delayed on the tarmac. For all flights, they must provide food and water no later than 2 hours after the aircraft leaves the gate (or when boarding is completed, if earlier). Lavatories must remain operational, and cabin temperature must be maintained between 20°C and 25°C.
Crucially, airlines must begin deplaning passengers if the tarmac delay exceeds 3 hours for domestic flights or 4 hours for international flights — unless safety, security, or air traffic control directives prevent it. This is a hard limit with no exceptions for weather or crew scheduling.
Passengers are also entitled to regular updates every 30 minutes about the delay’s status and reasons, and to two free phone calls, emails, or text messages during the delay.
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
What to Do
Ask the flight crew or gate agent for the reason and expected duration of the delay.
Confirm you’ve received food, water, and working lavatories within 2 hours.
If the tarmac delay reaches 3 hours (domestic) or 4 hours (international), request deplaning — the airline must comply unless safety or security prohibits it.
Document everything: times, announcements, and any denials of required services.
File a complaint with the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) within one year if your rights were violated.
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.