Canada is grappling with a shortage of air traffic controllers, with approximately 200 positions currently unfilled across the country. The shortfall has prompted concerns from industry experts and government officials alike, particularly in light of a recent Air Canada crash at LaGuardia Airport in New York which has highlighted the importance of air traffic controller staffing.
Nav Canada, the private, non-profit corporation that manages Canada's civil airspace, is actively working to address the shortage through recruitment, training, and retention initiatives. Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon has also engaged with Nav Canada to find solutions to alleviate the strain on the current workforce. While Nav Canada has licensed over 600 air traffic service professionals since 2023, the training process can take up to 36 months, making it a long-term challenge to resolve. The agency received 49,000 applications in 2025 but hired only 500 students.
McGill University aviation expert John Gradek notes that these jobs are stressful and demanding, potentially leading to burnout. Pilots have also raised concerns about safety protocols at busy airports like Vancouver International Airport (YVR), with reports of positions being combined in air traffic control towers. Captain Tim Perry, president of the Airline Pilots Association (ALPA), emphasized the importance of robust staffing while acknowledging that combining positions isn't necessarily unsafe as there are established protocols.
To become an air traffic controller in Canada, candidates must be at least 18 years old, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and have a 12th-grade education or equivalent. They must also pass security and medical exams, and demonstrate clear English. Nav Canada's training program includes classroom instruction, web-based courses, simulator training, and on-the-job experience.
