Expect lots of delays at Canadian airports this holiday season

There’s more bad news for travellers heading into the busy holiday season: There will likely be delays galore at Canadian airports. That’s been a problem for many months now, and it doesn’t sound like things are going to change in time for the holidays. Tim Perry, president of the Air Line Pilots Association Canada, said at a parliamentary hearing that a refusal to increase wages for pilots will lead to a shortage, according to the Canadian Press. He added airlines are also relying on temporary foreign workers, which could raise concerns around training and safety. The Canadian Air Traffic Control Association told CP there is also a significant shortage of traffic air controllers, which will also lead to delays. The summer was filled with issues, particularly at Toronto’s Pearson Airport — many related to staffing shortages by the airlines, security and baggage handlers. Many former airline industry workers simply haven’t returned to the sector following the pandemic, which shut down travel. Andrew Gibbons, vice-president of external affairs for WestJet, said at the committee meeting that because of the pandemic, “(the industry is) not out of the woods. We’re still facing the effects of this crisis.”<br/>