Frustrated Air Canada pilot slams air traffic controller shortage to passengers on flight

Air Canada pilot expresses frustration over air traffic controller shortages

An Air Canada pilot recently vented his frustrations over air traffic controller shortages on a Vancouver-Montreal flight, urging passengers to write to their MPs to address ongoing delays at the country’s airports. The pilot, in a message over the intercom, announced a 50-minute delay due to understaffing at the air traffic controller sector, operated by Nav Canada. He highlighted that sick calls had caused a holdup at the airport, costing the company and passengers money.

The pilot accused Nav Canada of intentionally keeping the number of new trainees low to maintain high overtime numbers. He urged passengers to inform their representatives about the situation, emphasizing the impact on business and leisure plans. Air Canada confirmed that Nav Canada restrictions had been affecting airline schedules at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) for several weeks.

In response to the pilot’s message, a Nav Canada spokesperson denied intentionally rejecting trainees to protect overtime. They stated that the company is expanding training operations to address the shortage of air traffic controllers. The spokesperson highlighted the issuance of close to 40 licenses for air traffic controllers in Vancouver over the past year as a sign of progress.

The frustration expressed by the pilot comes after Nav Canada cited “resource constraints” leading to flight cancellations and delays. The Air Line Pilots Association president emphasized that delays were a systemic issue, requiring a collaborative effort to address. Teara Fraser, CEO of Iskwew Air, highlighted the worsening shortage of air traffic controllers, leading to significant delays on short flights.

In a statement, Nav Canada confirmed a temporary traffic management initiative on Saturday due to resource constraints. The company is investing in expanding training capacity to meet demand, with plans to have approximately 1,500 students in training programs by 2028. They emphasized their efforts to support candidates’ success in training programs.

Overall, the air traffic controller shortage is a nationwide challenge that requires a comprehensive solution involving government, labor representatives, and employers. The ongoing delays and cancellations at airports underscore the urgent need to address staffing issues to ensure efficient operations and passenger satisfaction.