A shortage of air traffic controllers in Canada has led to occasional closures of airport towers in Kelowna, B.C., and Winnipeg when the sole controller on duty takes a break, according to a memo sent to Air Canada pilots. In the memo dated October 14, Air Canada recommended pilots to avoid these two airports during times of severe staff shortages that result in tower closures. The frequency of these closures is not clear, and requests for comments from the airports have not been immediately answered.
Nav Canada, responsible for managing the country’s civil air navigation system, has informed airlines that air traffic control shortages are expected at Winnipeg and Kelowna airports, with the possibility of extending to other airports, as stated in the memo. Nav Canada mentioned in a statement that the closures in Winnipeg and Kelowna are planned during low traffic periods to minimize disruptions and prioritize safety and well-being of staff. Specific details regarding typical staffing levels at these towers were not provided.
The closures at these airports are part of a broader issue of air traffic controller shortages in North America, leading to potential flight delays and increased costs for airlines. Affected flights in Canada may require extra fuel due to the need for holding patterns or diversions caused by staffing shortages, as highlighted in the memo.
The United States is also facing concerns over air traffic control staffing, exacerbated by a government shutdown, which has resulted in travel delays at multiple airports, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. Nick von Schoenberg, president of the Canadian Air Traffic Control Association (CATCA), emphasized that the closures at Canadian airports, beyond Winnipeg and Kelowna, are aimed at providing fatigue-related breaks for controllers, indicating a lack of system resilience due to staffing challenges.
Tim Perry, president of the Air Line Pilots Association in Canada representing Air Canada pilots, stressed the need to address the instability caused by staffing shortages. He noted ongoing delays at various airports across the country due to air traffic controller shortages.