Air Traffic Controller Shortages Cause Temporary Airport Closures Across Canada, US

Canada is facing a significant shortage of air traffic controllers, leading to temporary closures of control towers at Kelowna and Winnipeg airports during controller breaks, which disrupts flight schedules and causes delays. Air Canada has advised pilots to avoid these airports when staff shortages are severe, and Nav Canada emphasizes that closures occur during low traffic periods to prioritize safety and employee well-being. The shortage reflects a broader North American issue, with industry unions highlighting systemic staffing challenges and urging for solutions to prevent ongoing instability and delays. These closures force airlines to reroute flights, hold patterns, and carry extra fuel, increasing operational costs and passenger frustration. Similarly, in the United States, the ongoing government shutdown has led to air traffic control staffing shortages, causing flight delays and cancellations at major airports, with concerns rising over worsening disruptions during the holiday travel season. Both countries are experiencing air traffic control staffing crises that threaten the efficiency and reliability of air travel in North America.