TORONTO — July 4, 2025
Cargo operations at Toronto Pearson International Airport are struggling to recover after two consecutive days of severe storms grounded multiple flights. Air freight handlers say the backlog is growing, particularly for inbound shipments from Europe and Asia.
“We had no choice but to halt ramp activity during the peak of the storms,” said a senior ground coordinator who requested anonymity. “Now we’re racing to catch up.”
Weather Hits Timing, Not Volume
While no major damage was reported at the airport, wind gusts and heavy rain made it unsafe to unload cargo. Some flights were delayed overnight, and others were rerouted to Montreal or Chicago.
The impact isn’t about how much freight was lost — it’s about timing. Perishable goods and time-sensitive parts, especially from Frankfurt and Shanghai, are now facing critical delays.
Carriers and Forwarders Under Pressure
Airlines have been rebooking cargo onto the next available routes, but space is tight. Forwarders in Ontario report rising customer concerns and growing frustration over tracking updates.
“We’re doing what we can, but with weekend schedules and crew limits, things won’t normalize until Monday at best,” said Julie Tran, a logistics manager based in Mississauga.
Despite the disruption, Pearson staff remain confident the backlog will be cleared within 72 hours. Extra ground crews have been brought in, and priority has been given to critical shipments.
