Planes cancelled and delayed due to smoke in Vancouver harbour

A number of Vancouver-based airlines are experiencing reroutes or cancellations Monday morning due to the low visibility in the region caused by smoke from B.C.’s growing wildfires.

All flights leaving Vancouver harbour on Seair have been cancelled this morning for routes between Vancouver and Nanaimo and Vancouver and Gulf Islands. The company states the situation is currently touch-and-go and they hope to resume service as soon as visibility improves.

As for Harbour Air, the airline has rerouted flights between Victoria and Vancouver to arrive and depart from the South Vancouver terminal in Richmond. Flights affected already this morning include the 7 a.m., 7:20, 8, 8:20 and 8:30 a.m. The 9 a.m. flight is currently delayed and the company is waiting for further notice on the rest of today’s scheduled flights.

Routes to Nanaimo, however, have been completely cancelled this morning with the next scheduled flight to depart Vancouver at 11:30 a.m. The 7 a.m. flight to Comox, the 7:15 flight to Maple Bay and the 9 a.m. flight to Whistler have also been cancelled. All flights scheduled to leave Vancouver have now been rerouted to the South Vancouver terminal.

Harbour Air says they are keeping passengers updated through emails, text messages and posted flight statuses online.

Helijet, the helicopter service operating just east of the downtown Seabus terminal, announced early Monday morning all flights were running on-time and even more flights were just added to make up for the considerable service deficit between Vancouver and Victoria.

Happy Monday! All flights are on time today. The smoke may be dampening the summer vibe but it isn’t keeping us down. Call 800.665.4354 now!

— Helijet Intl Inc (@Helijet) July 6, 2015

Flights added for you this morning! We’ve added flights between Vic & Van to help you get on your way. Call 800.665.4354 to book now!

— Helijet Intl Inc (@Helijet) July 6, 2015

Vancouver International Airport has not been affected by the smokey weather.