WestJet warns of summer travel delays due to a shortage of air traffic controllers at NAV CANADA. Airline urges swift federal action to avoid passenger disruption.
WestJet Raises Red Flag Over Air Travel Disruptions
As Canada enters peak summer vacation season, WestJet has issued a strong warning: travellers should brace for flight delays due to a shortage of air traffic controllers at NAV CANADA. In a statement released on June 28, 2025, the airline said staffing issues have caused widespread scheduling disruptions across its network since April.
Surge in Delays Impacts Over 300,000 Passengers
WestJet reported that more than 300,000 of its passengers have experienced delays over the past three months. The airline attributed the majority of these disruptions directly to NAV CANADA’s air traffic control staffing shortfalls, calling the situation “a serious operational challenge.”
“The current situation presents serious operational challenges, as the industry heads into peak summer travel, with no short-term solutions in sight,” the statement read.
Growing Air Travel Demand Heightens Pressure
The warning comes amid a surge in Canadian air travel. According to Statistics Canada, 4.7 million passengers passed through security at the country’s eight largest airports in May 2025—up 1.9% from last year and 5.5% over pre-pandemic 2019 levels. Winnipeg’s James Armstrong Richardson International Airport recorded the sharpest growth, with a 7.5% increase in passenger volume.
With demand climbing, the ripple effects of staffing shortages could be felt from coast to coast, further straining airline operations during the busiest season of the year.
Federal Government Urged to Intervene
WestJet is calling on Ottawa to take urgent action, urging collaboration between the federal government and aviation stakeholders to address the ongoing staffing crisis at NAV CANADA. The airline emphasized that without intervention, delays may persist or worsen throughout the summer.
NAV CANADA Responds to Criticism
NAV CANADA, the not-for-profit organization responsible for managing Canada’s civil air navigation system, acknowledged in a statement that staffing “contributes to delays in some circumstances.” However, the agency argued that flight disruptions are typically the result of multiple factors and not solely its responsibility.
“We’re investing heavily in our workforce because safety and reliability come first,” the agency said, noting that over 500 individuals are currently in training programs. However, it takes between 24 to 36 months for air traffic controllers to become fully certified, complicating any rapid fixes.
Travellers May Not Be Entitled to Compensation
In a final warning, WestJet reminded passengers that under Canada’s Air Passenger Protection Regulations, delays caused by air traffic controller shortages are classified as beyond the airline’s control. This means affected travellers may not be eligible for compensation in such cases.
Looking Ahead
With no immediate resolution in sight, the coming weeks could prove turbulent for Canadian air travel. Travellers are advised to monitor their flight status closely, allow extra time at airports, and remain flexible with their plans as the industry navigates one of its most challenging summers yet.
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