Ottawa, aviation sector discuss industry concerns ahead of winter travel season

Security check-in delays and other issues at Canadian airports were among the concerns that surfaced on Thursday as the airline industry banded together ahead of a busy winter travel season, but the industry still has work to do. I warn you that

Transport Minister Omar Al-Ghabra convened an industry summit to discuss issues such as transparency, accountability and passenger rights.

“The aviation industry has been devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Algabra said in a press release. “Last summer, the industry faced a new crisis of congestion and delays.”

Alghabra noted that passenger numbers increased by 280% between February and June. Heavy passenger numbers and inadequate staffing resulted in lost luggage and disrupted flights over the summer, with Toronto’s Pearson International Airport setting the world’s worst record for flight delays.

With the peak winter travel season fast approaching, passengers and the industry are concerned that similar problems could arise.

Al-Ghabra said in a telephone interview that key issues discussed at the summit included persistent labor shortages, inflation and declining incomes.

Staffing in the aviation sector is almost back to 2019 levels despite an ongoing pilot shortage, but problems remain regarding delays in training such as security screeners, he said.

“It takes time to train employees in this department,” says Alghabra.

The head of Canada’s Airports Council says capital expenditure is a concern as Canadian airports owed $3.2 billion to continue operations during the pandemic.

“Paying off this debt and paying deferred rent to the federal government will make it harder for us to fund infrastructure projects that are critical to airport operations,” said Monette Pasher.

She said there is a need to adopt digital solutions that streamline border crossing and security processes and increase data transparency.

Alghabra said the federal government is stepping up cooperation with airlines and airports to ensure they have the necessary operational procedures and resources for the holiday season.

Greater Toronto Airport Authority spokeswoman Tori Gus said the airport has made significant improvements since the summer, working closely with airlines and the government.

Still, the transport minister warned that some of the measures discussed at the summit would not come in time for the surge in winter travellers.

Canada’s aviation sector has come a long way since the worst of the pandemic, but Pascher said the industry still has a long way to go.

“We want Canadians to be able to celebrate holidays with their families, go on vacations and travel to their destinations. I want to confirm,” Alghabra said.

—Caitlin Yardley, Canadian Press