BURST
Vancouver International Airport is dealing with flight delays this weekend because of “constraints” at Nav Canada, which handles traffic control at Canadian airports.
Nav Canada confirmed the delays are continuing Sunday, and said staff shortages are part of the problem.
“Air traffic delays can occur for a range of reasons — weather being the most frequent — but also runway construction, infrastructure maintenance, surges in demand and personnel resourcing,” said a Nav Canada spokesperson in a statement.
YVR spokesperson Reilly Whittaker said 186 flights were delayed on Saturday, and 28 more have posted delays so far Sunday.
Canadian and U.S. customs agents extended their hours until 2 a.m. Sunday to process passengers and food and beverage locations also stayed open late. Whittaker said extra YVR staffers are also on hand to help travellers.
An advisory was still posted at yvr.ca early Sunday afternoon saying delays persist.
Passengers are advised to check the latest flight status directly with their airline before coming to the airport. The airline is also responsible for arranging any rebookings caused by the delays, such as missed connecting flights.
Nav Canada apologized for the “air traffic flow restrictions and delays” and their effect on the flying public.
“Our goal is to minimize the impact on passengers and our customers while always maintaining safety,” said Nav Canada. “We are leaving no stone unturned in our effort to add capacity where possible.
“Staffing progress is being made across the Canadian system, and we’re seeing encouraging signs in many areas.”
Nav Canada said it continues to recruit, train and license new air traffic controllers, adding more than 450 staff since September 2023. About 230 of those employees are air traffic controllers. There are also more than 500 people in training across the country right now.
“However, the path to full qualification is extensive, typically requiring 24 to 36 months of classroom instruction, simulation and on-the-job training,” it said in the statement. “This rigorous process ensures that all controllers meet the highest standards of competence and readiness.”