Travellers headed to the Vancouver airport should prepare for possible delays amid air traffic controller shortages.
Passengers on flights to and from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) may have experienced delays from May 21 to May 23 due to Nav Canada (Canada’s air navigation service provider) resource constraints.
YVR spokesperson Reena Gacad Kirkpatrick confirmed there were some impacts to flight schedules, adding that the team was present in the terminal to support passengers needing assistance caused by delays or cancellations.
"We recognize the ongoing resource constraints being faced by Nav Canada across a number of airports including YVR," she told V.I.A.
"While we cannot predict when these may emerge again in the future, they are a possibility."
Kirkpatrick said the airport works directly with Nav Canada and airlines to "ensure passengers are informed as quickly as possible," when delays occur.
Passengers are encouraged to check the latest flight status directly with their airline, on YVR's website, or with Nav Canada on Twitter/X.
Nav Canada says flights are running on schedule, but travellers should still check their online status
Nav Canada spokesperson Maryam Amini told V.I.A. that a temporary Traffic Management Initiative (TMI) was implemented at YVR on May 22 and 23 due to "resource constraints." She added that the Nav Canada team was working to minimize impacts from the TMI.
"One of the tools used to safely manage airport demand is the implementation of a Traffic Management Initiative. While we strive to minimize their use, TMIs help maintain a safe flow of traffic and ensure the quantity of aircraft in a given airspace or airport remains manageable," she said.
"Our team works actively to keep air traffic moving safely and as efficiently as possible in YVR and to minimize TMI impacts. We always encourage passengers to check the status of their flight with their airline."
Amini added that Nav Canada is conducting "extensive recruitment campaigns," as well as "enhanced workforce scheduling, hiring experienced air traffic controllers, and leveraging temporary assignments - in addition to very competitive remuneration."
Travellers to and from YVR faced widespread flight delays and cancellations over several days in April due to unplanned absences of air traffic controllers.
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