A deficiency in Canada’s air traffic controller workforce has resulted in occasional closures of airport towers in Kelowna, B.C., and Winnipeg when the lone controller on duty takes a break, a memo to Air Canada pilots revealed. Air Canada, in an October 14 memo, cautioned its pilots to steer clear of these airports during severe staff shortages that lead to tower closures.
The frequency of these closures and comments from airport representatives remain unclear as they did not respond immediately to inquiries. The memo highlighted that Nav Canada, the entity overseeing the country’s civil air navigation system, has forewarned airlines about anticipated air traffic control shortages at Winnipeg and Kelowna, with the possibility of extending to other airports.
Nav Canada released a statement affirming that the closures in Winnipeg and Kelowna are scheduled during low-traffic periods to minimize disruptions and ensure safety and well-being of employees. Specifics on the regular staffing levels at these towers were not disclosed.
These shutdowns are the latest repercussions of a shortage of air traffic controllers in North America causing potential flight delays and increased expenses for airlines. Affected flights in Canada may require extra fuel to account for holding patterns or diversions resulting from controller staffing shortages.
In the United States, air traffic control staffing issues have been exacerbated by a government shutdown, prompting delays at multiple airports, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. Nick von Schoenberg, president of the Canadian Air Traffic Control Association (CATCA), stated that the airport closures in Canada, beyond Winnipeg and Kelowna, aim to offer fatigue-related breaks for controllers but also highlight system vulnerability due to staffing challenges.
Tim Perry, president of the Air Line Pilots Association in Canada representing Air Canada pilots, emphasized the urgency to address the ongoing instability caused by shortages. He noted that air traffic controller shortages persist, causing delays at various Canadian airports.
