An Air Canada pilot expressed frustration over air traffic controller shortages during a Vancouver-Montreal flight, urging passengers to contact their MPs about ongoing airport delays. The pilot attributed a 50-minute delay to understaffing and sick calls at Nav Canada, the private company managing air traffic control.
The pilot accused Nav Canada of limiting trainee numbers to maintain high overtime costs and encouraged passengers to raise awareness of the issue. Air Canada confirmed Nav Canada’s restrictions have affected schedules at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) for weeks.
Nav Canada denied intentionally rejecting trainees to protect overtime but acknowledged resource constraints. The company is expanding training programs, expecting about 1,500 trainees by 2028.
The Air Line Pilots Association highlighted the staffing shortage as a nationwide systemic issue needing cooperation between government, labor, and employers. Iskwew Air CEO Teara Fraser reported frequent delays on short regional flights and called on the federal government to increase funding for the airline sector.
Nav Canada stated they issued nearly 40 new air traffic controller licenses in Vancouver last year, emphasizing ongoing training efforts despite complex airspace challenges.
Swifteradio.com
