NAV CANADA reduced flight delays attributable to its operations by 91% year-over-year from May 1 to July 7, 2026, covering the FIFA World Cup 26 period across Toronto Pearson, Montréal-Trudeau, Calgary, and Vancouver international airports. Flight volumes remained steady, with an overall 0.9% decrease during this timeframe and a 2.0% increase specifically at Toronto Pearson International Airport. The World Cup matches, totaling 13 in Toronto and Vancouver between June 12 and July 7, represented the largest sporting event ever held in North America.
Airspace Restrictions and Operational Coordination
During the World Cup, Transport Canada issued temporary airspace restrictions over Toronto and Vancouver, narrowing usable airspace
amid heightened security. NAV CANADA enforced Prior Permission Required protocols for business and general aviation at these airports and coordinated daily with Transport Canada, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, airport authorities, airlines, and law enforcement. No NAV CANADA-attributable traffic management initiatives were implemented on any of the 13 Canadian match days; only routine volume-driven arrival sequencing and a single weather-related ground stop were recorded.
Flight Traffic Growth and Staffing Achievements
Space-based surveillance data from Aireon showed flight traffic through the Montréal flight information region increased nearly 11% in June 2026 compared to June 2025. Among North America’s largest traffic rises, three of the top 15 occurred
in NAV CANADA-managed airspace, including the Gander and Moncton regions. Since 2023, over 600 air traffic services professionals earned licenses, and staffing growth exceeded attrition by 26% during 2024-2025, resulting in NAV CANADA having more licensed personnel than at any point since the pandemic.
Operational Readiness and Technology Investments
NAV CANADA’s summer 2026 operational readiness plan included rehiring retired controllers, returning operationally qualified managers to front-line duties, targeted summer scheduling, and incentive measures. Technology investments featured Arrival Manager systems implemented at all Area Control Centres. All readiness measures remain active through Labour Day 2026, with a focus on maintaining peak coverage amid typical August convective
weather and sustained demand. Coordination with airlines, airports, and the U.S. FAA continues daily.
Statements from NAV CANADA Leadership
Marie-Pier Berman, Vice President and Chief of Operations at NAV CANADA, said, “In May, we said our team was ready. The results show they were. Our air traffic controllers, flight service specialists and support teams absorbed some of the highest traffic increases in North America during this period and kept it moving safely. This is what more than a year of preparation looks like when it meets the moment, and the credit belongs to our people.”
She added, “A strong first half of the summer is
exactly that, a first half. August is historically the most demanding stretch of the season, and our teams are approaching it with the same discipline they brought to the World Cup. Readiness has never meant promising that no disruption will ever occur. It means having the people, processes and technology to manage whatever the season brings, safely and transparently.”
