Thank you, Mr. Chair, for inviting us to speak with the committee today.
The Government of Canada recognizes the impact that significant wait times at some Canadian airports are having on travellers.
Transport Canada is working with federal partners, including the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority, the Canada Border Services Agency and the Public Health Agency of Canada, as well as industry, including air carriers and airports, to implement solutions to reduce delays as we approach the summer peak season.
Our goal is to streamline services for inbound and outbound passengers, so Canadians can travel efficiently and safely as the sector recovers from the COVID‑19 pandemic.
Air transport was affected more severely by COVID-19 than most sectors. Traffic levels dropped by more than 90% from prepandemic levels for more than a year.
As COVID-19 measures are easing at home and around the world, the air sector is seeing a surge in demand. In January 2022, air traffic was less than 40% of 2019 levels. By May, that grew to almost 80%. The surge in air travel is positive for the recovery of the air sector; however, increased volumes have also placed pressure on all aspects of the transport system.
Canada's not alone in facing the challenge of airport congestion. We are witnessing similar phenomena at other airports around the world and, given the global nature of the aviation industry, delays and congestion overseas contribute to delays and congestion also in Canada.
Some travellers have been experiencing delays during the outbound security screening process that happens before a traveller boards a plane. The challenges have been most prevalent at Toronto-Pearson and Vancouver airports, which are Canada’s busiest.
The biggest source of outbound delays has been staffing shortages at CATSA. While 75% of screening officers were retained during the pandemic, labour market shortages have made it difficult to recruit back up to 100% of what is needed. When traveller delays became evident, the Minister of Transport instructed his officials to bring together CATSA, the major air carriers and the top four airports to understand the challenges and implement immediate solutions.
Actions to date, since the creation of the new airport operations recovery committee, include the accelerated hiring and training of new screen officers by CATSA and their deployment to where they are most needed. In fact, since April 1, CATSA screening contractors have recruited almost 900 new employees. CATSA is now over its 100% target in Toronto and Vancouver to meet its national standard of 85% of passengers screened in 15 minutes, which was actually exceeded in some cases over the past week.
Operators in CATSA are also working together to improve the screening process for passengers. In addition, all partners are improving communication and information sharing, including messaging to passengers to help them plan and avoid delays.
The concrete action we have taken together is having an impact. We have seen significant improvements in wait times over the past month, with fewer passengers waiting in long lineups.
During the week of June 3 to 9, an average of 10% of passengers were waiting more than 15 minutes at Pearson, which was down from 23% the week of May 9 to 15. At Vancouver, this number improved to 13% from 26% over the same period.
In addition to delays when boarding a flight in Canada, there have been delays for international travellers returning to Canada, primarily at Toronto Pearson. These delays are due to a number of compounding factors, including overall staffing levels in the system, infrastructure limitations and delays overseas, leading to a convergence of flights and public health measures.
Presently, there are infrastructure and capacity limitations in the customs hall that restrict passenger offloading, which has resulted in travellers being held on aircrafts.
In addition, travellers are also experiencing delays due to other airport services—including baggage handling. Ground crew labour shortages are also having significant impacts.
To resolve these issues, over the past month, Transport Canada has been actively working with CBSA, PHAC and the industry to identify efficiencies through the travel journey to streamline processes of reduced wait times.
Changes are being made. For example, new kiosks to process more passengers are being installed, and the Government of Canada announced the suspension of mandatory random testing until June 30 to streamline the border arrivals process and relieve congestion.
Mr. Chair, congestion and delays are frustrating for travellers. As noted, they are due to a variety of factors. That is why Transport Canada continues to work with federal and industry partners to address these challenges and support the recovery of the air sector while maintaining safety and security for Canadians.