NAV CANADA reported an approximately 85 percent year-over-year reduction in flight delays attributable to its staffing and equipment factors across Canada’s four busiest airports—Toronto Pearson International, Montréal-Trudeau International, Calgary International, and Vancouver International—from May 1 to August 31, 2026.
Marked Decline in Delays Despite Higher Flight Volumes
The share of scheduled flights impacted by NAV CANADA-related traffic management initiatives decreased from 1.54 percent in summer 2025 to 0.24 percent in 2026 across the four airports. Vancouver International Airport experienced the largest absolute drop, from 4.42 percent affected flights in 2025 down to 0.64 percent in 2026. Calgary International Airport recorded the largest proportional improvement, with impacted flights declining
from 1.16 percent to just 0.05 percent. Traffic management initiatives attributable to NAV CANADA staffing across these airports decreased by 65 percent compared to 2025. This improvement occurred despite a 0.9 percent increase in flight volume, with 394,919 flights handled from May 1 to August 31, 2026, versus 391,245 in the same period in 2025.
Staffing Improvements and Technology Investments Key to Performance
NAV CANADA narrowed its controller staffing deficit to approximately 170 controllers below target by August 31, 2026, down from about 200 in spring 2026. Since 2023, more than 600 air traffic services professionals have qualified through its training programs, supported by record capacity in training
schools. During summer 2026, over 50 retired controllers were rehired on contract, and staff from non-operational roles temporarily returned to frontline duties. Technology investments included installation of Arrival Manager systems at all Area Control Centres to enhance traffic flow management. Targeted scheduling and incentive measures were also implemented at air traffic control facilities to address staffing demands.
Official Statements Confirm Sustained Summer Readiness
Marie-Pier Berman, Vice President and Chief of Operations at NAV CANADA, stated, “Our teams at Canada’s major airports delivered approximately 85 per cent fewer NAV CANADA-attributable delays compared to the same period last year.” She added, “In May, we said our team was
ready. In July, the results showed they were. Today we can say they upheld that standard through the most demanding stretch of the year.” Berman also noted, “The staffing rebuild continues, the fall and winter bring their own demands, and readiness has never meant promising that no disruption will ever occur. It means having the people, processes and technology to manage whatever comes, safely and transparently. This summer, our people showed what that looks like.” Her remarks highlighted that the improvements occurred during the World Cup period, a traditionally high-demand time for air traffic.
NAV CANADA’s Operational Scope and Safety Profile
NAV CANADA provides air traffic control,
airport advisory services, weather briefings, and aeronautical information services for more than 18 million square kilometres of Canadian airspace. The company is internationally recognized for its safety record and technology innovation. The summer 2026 improvements reflect coordinated demand and capacity management efforts with airlines, airports, and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration during one of the busiest travel seasons.
