Canada faces summer flight delays and cancellations as air traffic controller shortages peak ahead of FIFA events.
Canadian Airports Brace for Summer Delays
This summer, Canadians and tourists alike should brace for slower skies. A long-standing shortage of air traffic controllers is set to disrupt flights across the country, and with FIFA matches drawing crowds to Toronto and Vancouver, the bottleneck could reach historic levels.
“Air travel is about to hit a real snag,” says Nick von Schoenberg, president of the Canadian Air Traffic Control Association (CATCA). “We’ve been losing skilled controllers for years, and now the timing couldn’t be worse.”
The Shortage Has Been Brewing for Decades
The roots of the staffing crisis trace back decades, but the COVID-19 pandemic worsened the situation. During the pandemic, Nav Canada encouraged many controllers to retire and scaled back training for new recruits.
Today, the country is estimated to be short around 350 highly trained air traffic controllers. CATCA represents nearly 2,000 workers nationwide, highlighting the scale of the challenge.
“The shortage isn’t just numbers—it’s about experience,” von Schoenberg adds. “Training a controller isn’t quick. Only about 30% of recruits graduate, and it takes three more years for them to fully handle the skies.”
Airports Strain Under the Pressure
Dave Frank, executive director of the BC Aviation Council, warns that understaffed towers are forcing airlines to reduce flights, leading to delays and cancellations. “Safety comes first,” Frank notes. “When towers don’t have enough staff, aircraft landings and takeoffs must be limited, which creates ripple effects for passengers and crews alike.”
Vancouver International Airport, a hub for connecting flights across the province, is particularly affected. “Airports in BC are frustrated,” Frank says. “The delays aren’t just inconvenient—they create a cascade of rescheduling nightmares for airlines and travelers.”
FIFA World Cup Adds to the Challenge
Summer’s challenges are expected to intensify with FIFA World Cup matches bringing thousands of fans to Canada. Toronto and Vancouver will host 13 matches, a surge expected to test the country’s already strained air traffic system.
Von Schoenberg calls the World Cup the “litmus test” for whether Nav Canada and the union can manage air traffic efficiently under peak demand. “We’re in constructive talks with the company, and I’m hopeful we can mitigate problems better than many other countries,” he says.
Nav Canada Responds with Training Push
Nav Canada acknowledges the crisis and is ramping up efforts to close the gap. “Staffing is a global challenge, and Canada is no exception,” says spokesperson Maryam Amini. The company plans aggressive recruitment, expanded training programs, and flexible scheduling to meet growing demand.
Currently, over 500 students are in training, with an additional 478 slated to join by 2028. But with the lengthy preparation required to train fully qualified controllers, the short-term summer outlook remains tense.
What Travellers Should Expect
Airline passengers should prepare for delays, cancellations, and rescheduled flights. Frontline staff, pilots, and crews are already feeling the strain, sometimes hitting maximum work-hour limits due to understaffed towers.
In short: expect a slow summer in Canadian skies. “It’s going to be a delay-heavy season,” Frank warns. “Patience will be key for anyone flying this summer.”
