Warning signs of staffing shortages are surfacing in Canada’s airline industry, resulting in significant delays and raising concerns across the travel sector. A recent incident involving a flight from Vancouver to Montreal went viral when the pilot openly discussed the delays over the intercom, blaming a shortage of air traffic controllers due to unexpected sick calls. “It’s very annoying,” the pilot expressed. “It’s cost the company a lot of money, and it would be great to have this addressed.”
In response to the disruptions, a spokesperson from NAV CANADA confirmed that resource constraints led to temporary traffic management measures, causing widespread delays across the nation.
Smaller carriers are not immune. Indigenous-owned Iskwew Air, for example, has faced daily delays affecting flights from Vancouver to Qualicum Beach. CEO Teara Fraser reported that the delays have ranged from 20 minutes to two hours on these short flights. “When you’re operating a 20- to 25-minute flight, that’s significant,” Fraser stated. She emphasized that while the shortage of air traffic controllers “is not new, it’s certainly worsening.”
NAV CANADA has acknowledged the urgency of addressing these issues. As part of its efforts, they revealed that there are currently around 500 students in their training programs. By 2028, they anticipate that approximately 1,500 students will have entered their training initiative. Since September 2023, nearly 450 professionals in air traffic services have received their licenses, including around 230 new air traffic controllers.
To reinforce its training capabilities, NAV CANADA has partnered with CAE Inc., a global leader in aviation training. This collaboration led to the establishment of a new Air Traffic Services Training Centre at CAE’s Montreal campus, set to open in January 2025. CAE’s instructors will be responsible for providing initial training for flight service specialists and air traffic controllers, utilizing NAV CANADA’s curriculum. A NAV CANADA spokesperson stated, “This collaboration will enable NAV CANADA to accelerate its staffing objectives, significantly expanding our training capacity nationwide to meet growing demand.”
Recruitment is a vital part of their strategy. Meredith Ivany, the Manager of Talent Acquisition and Retention Programs at NAV CANADA, recently shared insights into their efforts. The organization is particularly targeting student athletes, noting that they often possess desirable qualities for air traffic services, such as coachability and teamwork skills.
In addition to staffing challenges, NAV CANADA’s commitment to educating the public about air traffic management is evident through its partnership in the “Eyes on the Skies” traveling exhibit. This exhibit, being showcased at the National Air Force Museum of Canada until August 24, explores the rapid evolution of Canada’s air traffic management and features artifacts and materials sourced from both current and retired NAV CANADA employees. Phil Radok, Manager of Brand at NAV CANADA, noted, “A lot of artifacts ended up being submitted; the exhibit is a bit of a trip down memory lane.” He emphasized the need to recognize the often-overlooked roles of air traffic controllers and flight service specialists in the aviation ecosystem.
While pilots and aerospace engineers often take center stage in popular media, the crucial role of air traffic controllers remains largely unrecognized, highlighting the continuous need for recruitment efforts in this essential field.
