A shortage of air traffic controllers in Canada is causing airport towers in Kelowna, B.C., and Winnipeg to close intermittently when the sole controller on duty takes a break, as per a memo to Air Canada pilots. In the memo dated October 14, Air Canada recommended its pilots to avoid these airports during times of severe staff shortages that lead to tower closures.
The frequency of closures at these airports remains unclear, and their representatives have not responded immediately to requests for comments. The memo highlighted that Nav Canada, responsible for managing the country’s civil air navigation system, has alerted airlines about anticipated air traffic control shortages at Winnipeg and Kelowna, which could potentially extend to other airports.
Nav Canada released a statement stating that the closures at Winnipeg and Kelowna are planned during low traffic periods to minimize disruptions and ensure safety and employee well-being. However, specific details regarding normal staffing levels at these towers were not disclosed.
These closures are the most recent examples of a shortage of air traffic controllers in North America leading to potential flight delays and increased costs for airlines. In Canada, affected flights may require extra fuel due to holding patterns or diversions caused by controller staffing shortage closures, as outlined in the memo.
In the United States, air traffic control staffing has been a concern, exacerbated by a government shutdown. The Federal Aviation Administration recently acknowledged that this issue has caused travel delays at several airports.
Nick von Schoenberg, the president of the Canadian Air Traffic Control Association (CATCA), mentioned that the airport closures in Canada extend beyond Winnipeg and Kelowna and are aimed at providing fatigue-related breaks for controllers. He emphasized that these incidents reveal a lack of resilience in the system due to staffing challenges.
Tim Perry, the president of the Air Line Pilots Association in Canada representing Air Canada pilots, highlighted the necessity of addressing the lack of stability caused by shortages. He emphasized that ongoing air traffic controller shortages are resulting in delays at various Canadian airports.