NAV CANADA Warns Toronto Pearson Flights Face Delays Due to Staffing Issues.

December 25, 2025 at 11:54 PM•3 min read

NAV CANADA issued a warning that flights at Toronto Pearson International Airport may face delays due to "resource constraints," urging passengers to check their flight status.

Key Points

1NAV CANADA attributed the potential flight delays at Toronto Pearson International Airport to "resource constraints," primarily air traffic control staffing shortages.
2The ongoing staffing issue has forced the implementation of Traffic Management Initiatives to maintain safety, slowing the flow of air traffic at Canada's busiest airport.
3Major carriers like Air Canada and WestJet have faced significant operational impacts, with WestJet reporting over 300,000 guests affected by ATC-related delays since April 2025.
4NAV CANADA is actively scaling up its recruitment and training programs, aiming to qualify approximately 1,500 new air traffic controllers by 2028.

Canada's air navigation service provider, NAV CANADA, has alerted the public to potential flight delays. The delays affect operations at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ). This is due to what the service calls “resource constraints.”

NAV CANADA released a statement on X late Thursday evening. It confirmed that its team is moving aircraft safely. They are working as quickly as possible under the circumstances. The agency urged all passengers to check their flight status with their airline. They also expressed regret for any impacts to airlines and their customers.

Background on Resource Constraints

The “resource constraints” refer primarily to air traffic control staffing shortages. This issue has been a recurring challenge across Canada's major airports. NAV CANADA has previously implemented a Traffic Management Initiative (TMI). This TMI is required to manage air traffic demand safely. It is a direct response to staffing availability and high traffic volume.

This shortage has led to service disruptions at key hubs. Airports in Vancouver, Montreal, and Calgary have also seen impacts. Industry bodies like the IATA have previously called out North American ATC organizations. They cited staffing shortages causing unacceptable delays.

Industry and Passenger Impact

Major Canadian carriers face significant aviation operational impacts. Airlines like Air Canada and WestJet have reported increased delays. WestJet reported over 300,000 guests were impacted by delays since April. This was a result of NAV CANADA staffing shortages.

Delays can ripple across an airline's entire network.
This creates backlogs that take days to clear.

For passengers, the situation presents a challenge to travel plans. Delays caused by air traffic control staffing are often deemed outside the airline's control. This means affected passengers may not be eligible for compensation. This is under the Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR).

Mitigation and Outlook

NAV CANADA is actively working to address the air traffic control staffing shortage. The organization is pursuing a dual-track strategy. This involves recruitment and training efforts. It also includes investment in new technology.

NAV CANADA has significantly expanded its training capacity. They have qualified hundreds of new controllers since 2023. The agency expects nearly 500 students are currently in training. They aim to train approximately 1,500 students by 2028.

Despite these long-term efforts, short-term flight delay warning notices continue. Stakeholders, including the federal government, are being urged to find immediate solutions. This will support the structural challenges facing Canada's air navigation service. For more commercial aviation news, visit flying.flights.