A deficiency in air traffic controllers in Canada has resulted in occasional closures of airport towers in Kelowna, B.C., and Winnipeg when the lone controller on duty takes a break, according to a memo seen by Reuters. Air Canada instructed its pilots in an October 14 memo to avoid these airports during severe staff shortages that lead to tower closures. It remains unclear how frequently the airports have been shut down, and their representatives have not yet responded to requests for comments.
The memo highlighted that Nav Canada, the entity overseeing the country’s civil air navigation system, has informed airlines about expected air traffic control shortages at Winnipeg and Kelowna, with the possibility of extending to other airports. Nav Canada stated that the closures in Winnipeg and Kelowna are planned during low traffic periods to minimize disruptions and ensure safety and employee well-being. However, specific information on normal staffing levels at these towers was not provided.
These closures represent the latest occurrence of a shortage of air traffic controllers in North America, resulting in potential flight delays and increased costs for airlines. Affected flights in Canada may require extra fuel to account for holding patterns or diversions caused by controller staffing shortages, as mentioned in the memo.
In the United States, air traffic control staffing concerns have been heightened due to a government shutdown, with the Federal Aviation Administration acknowledging delays at various airports. Nick von Schoenberg, president of the Canadian Air Traffic Control Association (CATCA), emphasized that the airport closures in Canada, including those in Winnipeg and Kelowna, are intended to allow controllers to take fatigue-related breaks. He expressed concerns about the lack of resilience in the system due to staffing issues.
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 Canadian airports due to air traffic controller shortages.