Could Nav Canada issues cause more delays at YVR this summer? | Daily Hive

Could Nav Canada constraints cause more delays at YVR Airport this summer?

Margarita Young/Shutterstock

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is expecting record passenger volumes this summer, but should travellers brace for more delays during this busy travel season?

Over the past few months, several reported delays have occurred at YVR due to resource constraints at Nav Canada, the country’s air traffic control provider.

The most recent incident, which occurred earlier this month, impacted over 200 flights.

Daily Hive spoke with Maryam Amini, media relations manager at Nav Canada, to learn more about these resource constraints and whether YVR passengers should brace themselves for issues at the airport this summer.

Why have there been so many YVR delays?

Amini explained that flight disruptions can happen for many reasons.

While weather is the most common, “runway construction, infrastructure maintenance, surges in demand, and personnel resourcing” are all other factors that come into play, explained Amini.

“It’s important to recognize that delays are rarely caused by a single factor or organization. Airports, airlines, baggage handling, security screening services, and Nav Canada all play a part in the broader aviation system,” she added.

Margarita Young/Shutterstock

To safely manage airport demand, Nav Canada may implement a Traffic Management Initiative (TMI), which can involve reducing the number of aircraft arriving or departing a specific airport or airspace.

“TMIs help maintain a safe flow of traffic and ensure the quantity of aircraft in a given airspace or airport remains manageable,” explained Amini.

“We understand that any delay, regardless of the duration, can be impactful to Canadians and travellers,” she said.

“Our goal is to minimize the impact on passengers and our customers while always maintaining safety. We are leaving no stone unturned in our effort to add capacity where possible.”

What about staffing issues?

Nav Canada/Facebook

Nav Canada has also experienced its share of staffing issues, but Amini said that progress is being made to fill roles across the Canadian system.

She noted that the organization is continuing to recruit, train, and license new controllers at “an accelerated pace.”

Over 450 air traffic services professionals have received their qualifications since September 2023, including nearly 230 air traffic controllers. There are currently 500 people enrolled in Nav Canada’s air traffic control services training programs across the country at this time, stated Amini.

In Vancouver, nearly 66 air traffic services professionals have been qualified in the past year.

Getting more trained air traffic employees in Vancouver is a “priority,” said Amini.

“Vancouver is amongst the most challenging to achieve qualification in due to the complexity of the airspace and traffic volumes within the airspace,” she explained.

“However, it is in our utmost interest to ensure that air traffic control trainees have the best chance at success over the course of their program.”

The road to complete training and getting the job can be a long one, as it usually requires 24 to 36 months of classroom instruction, simulation, and on-the-job training.

What to expect for Vancouver airport travel this summer

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While flight delays aren’t predictable, YVR is encouraging travellers to plan ahead before catching their next flight.

The airport noted it expects to welcome approximately 6.7 million passengers (an average of 85,000 travellers daily between June 15 and Sept. 2).

Traveller should have all travel documents prepared, and keep up-to-date with their airline to check flight status.

Take time to ensure luggage rules are being followed (especially liquids and gels), and always have bags properly labelled with contact details.

Travellers should arrive at the airport at least two hours before their scheduled departure time for domestic flights, and at least three hours ahead for international flights.

And, if your flight does get delayed, pack your patience and be sure to review Canada’s flight delay and cancellation rules, and understand your rights and eligibility for compensation.

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