WestJet and Air Canada Express Concern Over YVR Delays

After a turbulent weekend at YVR which saw more than 200 flight delays, WestJet has released a statement challenging Nav Canada, who oversees Air Traffic Controllers, to implement an immediate solution to its short-staffing issues.

In a statement posted on Canadian Aviation News, WestJet says they are “working to minimize the NAV CANADA impacts on guests and will continue to advocate for solutions that improve system-wide performance. Canadians deserve consistent accountability and service standards across the entire aviation eco-system.  

WestJet is calling on the federal government to work with all stakeholders to find an immediate solution to support the structural challenges that NAV CANADA is facing,” adding that the delays are categorized, “outside of airlines’ control” and therefore aren’t eligible for compensation to affected passengers under the Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR).

Staffing shortages of ATCs aren’t new; in a CityNews Vancouver report from June 2023, NAV Canada spokesperson Jonathan Bagg said there were 425 new recruits currently undergoing training across the country, 70 of whom are in the Vancouver region. Many of those recruits wouldn’t arrive at YVR however as more experienced controllers are required there.

“There’s a lot of complex air space. That means the training in longer, it’s more difficult, and it can take more time. Often for a tower like Vancouver you’ll see us draw from our existing work force to come train in Vancouver,” said Bagg.

Air Canada has also expressed their concerns, telling CTV News in a statement that “the issue seriously affects passengers not only flying to/from YVR, but across Air Canada’s network, as knock-on effects from aircraft and crews which are delayed in YVR can then be delayed at other airports downline.

We are engaged in dialogue with NAV Canada and expect solutions that will allow the country’s air transport ecosystem to operate smoothly and meet Canadians’ and global passengers’ travel expectations going forward.”

YVR-Vancouver is Canada’s 2nd busiest airport, after YYZ – Pearson International. YUL – Montreal is third. But while YYZ and YUL aren’t immune to delays, they’re able to absorb them better due to available airspace and less-complex requirements.