Airports in Kelowna, British Columbia, and Winnipeg are experiencing temporary control tower closures due to a shortage of air traffic controllers. These closures have raised concerns within Canada’s aviation sector, prompting Air Canada to issue a cautionary notice to its pilots. The airline advised its crews not to operate flights into these airports during short-term staffing shortages.

A spokesperson for NAV Canada, the organization responsible for Canada’s civil air navigation services, stated that the recent closures were precautionary measures taken under their Fatigue Risk Management System. This system aims to ensure safe operations and protect the well-being of employees. The spokesperson emphasized that such closures are infrequent and typically brief. For instance, a closure in Winnipeg last August lasted no longer than 30 minutes.

Phillip Elchitz, Director of Operations at Kelowna International Airport, reported that the airport has experienced approximately 70 tower closures since the beginning of the year. The Kelowna tower operates from 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily. Elchitz explained that there are times when only one controller is on duty, and when that controller takes a mandatory fatigue break, the tower must close temporarily for about 30 minutes.

Elchitz noted that NAV Canada coordinates these closures with the airport, attempting to schedule them during slower traffic periods. He stated, "Absolutely, the airport can operate when the tower is not operating. There are uncontrolled aerodrome procedures in place that pilots are trained to follow in these sorts of circumstances."

He also pointed out that many Canadian airports operate without control towers and rely on similar procedures. Elchitz stressed the importance of pilot training for operating in uncontrolled environments. Both he and the NAV Canada spokesperson reiterated that safety is the top priority. NAV Canada ensures that its staff are well-rested to maintain safe operations.

The internal memo from Air Canada, dated October 14, highlighted that the affected airports have control towers established due to high traffic volume and operational complexity. The memo instructed crews to hold or divert if arriving during a closure. Air Canada confirmed the memo's existence but did not provide additional details. A spokesperson for Kelowna’s airport mentioned that there have not been significant delays attributed to the tower closures.

Staffing shortages at NAV Canada have been a persistent issue, exacerbated by the pandemic. Tim Perry, Canadian president of the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), stated, "Air Traffic Controller shortages continue, leading to delays at various airports across Canada. This lack of stability in Canada’s aviation sector must be addressed."

NAV Canada is actively working to improve the situation. The spokesperson noted that over the past two years, more than 450 air traffic services professionals, including 240 new air traffic controllers, have joined the organization. Nearly 500 additional students are currently in training. The organization is implementing targeted recruitment campaigns and modernizing training methods to build long-term capacity and prepare the next generation of air traffic controllers.