Computer glitch snarls Pearson check-in process

A computer glitch has snarled the check-in process at Toronto’s Pearson airport.

The airport said IT staff had been working to fix the problem with the check-in counters since 5 a.m. Saturday.

“Check in continues to be slow this morning due to software issues,” Pearson tweeted.

“We appreciate everyone’s patience as IT providers work to fix the problem.”

The airport recommended passengers check in online if possible.

The Toronto airport authority and the airlines have additional staff on duty.

Meanwhile, operations at Montreal’s Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport were briefly suspended earlier in the day due to freezing rain.

By mid-afternoon, dozens of flights were still delayed and several more had been cancelled as crews worked to reopen all the runways.

“Conditions are gradually returning to normal and will continue to do so throughout the day,” a statement on the airport website said. “Thanks for your understanding.”

The latest problem follows the cancellation and delays of hundreds of flights at Pearson due to bad weather earlier in the week.

Toronto officials triggered a so-called ground stop early Tuesday, preventing North American flights from landing for more than eight hours.

Thousands of passengers ended up sleeping at the airport that night while mountains of luggage awaiting pickup grew.

Officials said Friday the baggage backlog had since shrunk and the rest of the personal cargo should be reunited with owners this weekend.

The GTAA says it is reviewing its response to the deep freeze, which saw 600 flights cancelled Tuesday and another 400 scuttled Wednesday.

With files from The Canadian Press