Two major Canadian airports faced temporary closures of their control towers due to an ongoing shortage of air traffic controllers, underscoring the persistent challenges within the nation's aviation sector.

Pilots were instructed to refrain from departing or arriving at these facilities until normal operations resumed, with advice to be prepared for potential diversions or holding patterns. Air Canada acknowledged awareness of this situation but opted not to disclose further information.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Kelowna's airport stated that no significant delays had recently occurred that could be directly attributed to the issue.

Tim Perry, Canadian president of the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), highlighted how shortages in air traffic controllers continue to cause delays across several Canadian airports.

He emphasized the necessity for stability within Canada's aviation industry and noted ALPA Canada’s active collaboration with both the Canadian Air Traffic Control Association (CATCA) and NAV Canada to seek cooperative solutions.

NAV Canada reassured stakeholders by stating its commitment to exhaustive recruitment and training efforts.

Over 450 new air traffic services professionals have been integrated over the past two years, which includes 240 newly certified air traffic controllers.

 Additionally, nearly 500 students are currently undergoing training nationwide. The organization is enhancing its workforce through targeted recruitment initiatives, modernized training methodologies, and strategic partnerships such as with CAE, aiming to build long-term capacity and equip future generations of air traffic controllers.