FAQs: Air Canada’s Flight Disruption Shuttle

Q: What is the Air Canada flight disruption shuttle?

A: The flight disruption shuttle is an alternative travel service provided by Air Canada and offered only when flights to or from West Kootenay Regional Airport (YCG) are cancelled due to weather. When Air Canada determines there is a high likelihood of a weather-related cancellation on the Vancouver-Castlegar route, the flight is cancelled before takeoff and replaced with a combination of flights and ground transportation. Passengers departing from Castlegar are transported by shuttle from West Kootenay Regional Airport to Kelowna International Airport, where they can continue their travel or rebook for another day. Passengers departing from Vancouver are instead flown from Vancouver to Kelowna and then continue their journey to Castlegar by shuttle.

Air Canada provides the shuttle at its discretion based on operational conditions.

Q: How does the shuttle work for inbound YCG passengers travelling from Vancouver?

A: If weather conditions make landing in Castlegar unlikely and the shuttle service is enacted, Air Canada will offer passengers at the gate in Vancouver the option to travel by shuttle from Kelowna. Passengers will continue by Air Canada aircraft to Kelowna, where a comfortable shuttle bus will be available in the early afternoon to bring passengers to the West Kootenay Regional Airport in Castlegar. Passengers are encouraged to arrive at Vancouver Airport 90 minutes before their scheduled departure.

Q: When can I expect to arrive at Kelowna or Castlegar if I take the shuttle?

A: The drive between Castlegar and Kelowna airports covers approximately 350 km and takes about 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on road conditions. The shuttle will depart Castlegar Airport 45 minutes before the scheduled flight time and arrive at Kelowna Airport approximately 3.5 to 4 hours later. After a brief break, the shuttle will return to Castlegar.

E.g. If the shuttle leaves Castlegar at 11:00 AM (for an 11:45 AM flight), it will arrive at Kelowna between 2:30 and 3:00 PM, depart again around 3:00 to 3:30 PM, and return to Castlegar by 7:30 to 8:00 PM.

Air Canada will manage rebooking for onward flights from Kelowna, including the next available flights to Vancouver. Announcements will be made at Kelowna Airport to notify passengers about shuttle arrival and departure times.

Q: Who pays for the shuttle?

A: Air Canada fully covers the logistics and costs for the flight disruption shuttle as a value-added service for passengers booking out of West Kootenay Regional Airport.

Q: Are there any restrictions?

A: Yes, shuttle availability depends on local bus resources, and certain passengers, such as unaccompanied minors, may not be eligible for the shuttle.

Q: Where can I find more information?

Please contact Air Canada customer service for full details, at https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/home/fly/customer-support.html#/.