Flights at Vancouver International Airport have returned to schedule after a weekend of more than 200 delays caused by staffing shortages at Canada’s air traffic control agency.
The Vancouver International Airport (YVR) recorded 219 flight delays and 23 cancellations over the weekend due to staffing shortages at Nav Canada, YVR spokesperson Reena Gacad Kirkpatrick told The Epoch Times. Nav Canada said earlier this year there was a severe shortage of air traffic controllers who help manage 18 million square kilometres of Canadian airspace.
In a statement to The Epoch Times, Nav Canada confirmed the delays at YVR on June 28 and 29 were due to “resource constraints related to staffing,” but said that as of the afternoon of June 30, staffing levels were sufficient to support normal operations.
Only one flight has been cancelled since the afternoon on June 29 as a result of Nav Canada staffing shortages, according to the airport, with the rest being due to airline-specific issues.
“We understand and regret the impact that air traffic flow restrictions and delays have on the flying public, our airline partners, and airport authorities,” Nav Canada spokesperson Maryam Amini told The Epoch Times. “We are leaving no stone unturned in our effort to add capacity where possible.”
Nav Canada added it is seeing progress in its recruitment of qualified staff, with more than 450 air traffic services professionals, including about 230 air traffic controllers, having received qualification since September 2023. However, it noted that the rigor of the training process makes it difficult to accelerate recruitment.
“The path to full qualification is extensive, typically requiring 24 to 36 months of classroom instruction, simulation, and on-the-job training,” reads the statement. “This rigorous process ensures that all controllers meet the highest standards of competence and readiness.”
YVR expects approximately 425,000 passengers to transit through its facilities during the Canada Day long weekend, from June 27 to July 1.
While June 30 was expected to be the busiest day, with roughly 88,000 travellers passing through the airport, operations have remained largely on schedule throughout the day.
Meanwhile, the airport encourages passengers to continue to check their latest flight information, as delays can happen for other reasons, such as weather or operational considerations at other airports.
The airport expects about 85,000 passengers daily throughout the summer, with a peak of 91,000 passengers anticipated on Aug. 8, according to YVR’s forecast.
