Air passenger rights in Canada (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: The Air Passenger Protection Regulations apply to flights to, from and within Canada, with compensation of CAD 400, 700 or 1,000 (large carriers) for arrival delays of 3, 6 or 9 hours when the disruption is within the carrier's control. The Canadian Transportation Agency handles complaints.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Arrival delay giving a right to compensationDelayed, cancelled or overbooked flights | 3 hours [1] |
| Which flights are coveredDelayed, cancelled or overbooked flights | Flights to, from and within Canada, including connecting flights. The obligations are those of the carrier operating the flight. [2] |
| Care and refund when a flight is delayedDelayed, cancelled or overbooked flights | Where the delay or cancellation is within the carrier's control and the passenger was told less than 12 hours before departure: free food and drink and a means of communication after 2 hours of waiting, and hotel or comparable accommodation with transport if an overnight wait is expected. For a delay of 3 hours or more, or a cancellation, the carrier must offer alternate travel arrangements or a refund of the unused portion of the ticket. [1] |
| Care and refund when a flight is delayedDelayed, cancelled or overbooked flights; Compensation for delay or cancellation | Minimum compensation for delay or cancellation within the carrier's control and not required for safety purposes, when the passenger was told 14 days or less before departure, by arrival delay at the destination on the original ticket. Large carriers: CAD 400 (3 to under 6 hours), CAD 700 (6 to under 9 hours), CAD 1,000 (9 hours or more). Small carriers: CAD 125, CAD 250 and CAD 500. A large carrier is one that carried 2 million or more passengers worldwide in each of the two preceding calendar years. The request must be made within one year. [1] |
| Care and refund when a flight is delayedDelayed, cancelled or overbooked flights; Denied boarding | Minimum compensation for denied boarding within the carrier's control and not required for safety purposes, by arrival delay: CAD 900 (under 6 hours), CAD 1,800 (6 to under 9 hours), CAD 2,400 (9 hours or more). Payment is due as soon as operationally feasible and no later than 48 hours after the denial. [1] |
| National enforcement bodyDelayed, cancelled or overbooked flights | Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA); air travel complaints are handled by complaint resolution officers drawn from the Agency's members and staff [3] |
Notes
- A delay of 3 hours or more also gives the right to alternate arrangements or a refund. Minimum compensation applies when the passenger was told 14 days or less before departure.
Sources
- Canadian Transportation Agency (Justice Laws Website): Air Passenger Protection Regulations (SOR/2019-150), current to 21 September 2026 (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Government of Canada (Justice Laws Website): Canada Transportation Act (S.C. 1996, c. 10), section 86.11 (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Government of Canada (Justice Laws Website): Canada Transportation Act (S.C. 1996, c. 10), section 85.02 (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.