May 20, 2026 Team Contributor
As Canada braces for another high-volume travel season, NAV CANADA says it has strengthened staffing, training, and operational planning to manage rising passenger demand across the country’s airspace this summer. The preparations also come as Canada hosts several major international events expected to increase aviation traffic in 2026.
“We have been preparing for this summer for well over a year. Our team is ready. We have more air traffic controllers in the system than at any point since the pandemic, we have invested in the tools and processes that make our operation more resilient, and we are working closely with our partners across the aviation industry to deliver the safest and most efficient service possible. Canadians should be confident in the system that keeps them safe.”
Staffing Recovery Gains Pace
The country’s air navigation provider has spent more than a year expanding operational readiness while addressing industry-wide staffing pressures that have affected global aviation since the pandemic. The organization currently operates with more than 2,800 air traffic service professionals, including roughly 2,100 air traffic controllers and 700 flight service specialists.
Since 2023, more than 600 air traffic service professionals have received licences or certifications, while close to 550 trainees are progressing through training programs nationwide. Staffing growth also exceeded attrition by 26% during the last fiscal year.
Expanded Summer Coverage Plans
To strengthen summer coverage, NAV CANADA has introduced several temporary operational measures. These include retaining more than 50 retired controllers on contract, assigning qualified management personnel back to operational duties, and implementing strategic scheduling during peak travel periods.
The organization has also expanded its training pipeline through a partnership with CAE that adds capacity for 500 additional students through 2028. A new simulation modernization program valued at more than $40 million is also expected to improve training throughput and accelerate workforce recovery.
Technology Upgrades Support Operations
Arrival Manager systems are now active at all Area Control Centres to improve aircraft sequencing and reduce controller workload. Meanwhile, space-based ADS-B surveillance continues expanding coverage across oceanic and remote airspace.
NAV CANADA is also coordinating with airlines, airports, Transport Canada, and U.S. aviation authorities to align flight demand with available system capacity during the busy summer travel season.
The operational buildup also comes as Canadian airlines continue expanding international connectivity, including new long-haul routes such as Air Transat’s recently launched Ottawa–London Gatwick service, which is expected to add further passenger traffic during the busy summer season.
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