WestJet CEO, Alexis von Hoensbroech, attributed a 2.5-hour flight delay on his airline to air traffic controllers, expressing his frustration on Twitter. In his tweet on Thursday, von Hoensbroech explained that the delay was caused by staffing issues at NAV Canada, the organization responsible for Canada’s air traffic control. He emphasized the impact of the delay, stating that it resulted in many passengers missing their connections. This incident further highlights the necessity of implementing a comprehensive shared accountability system throughout the aviation industry.
Frustrating! Delayed by 2.5h on our own @WestJet flight to @yvrairport because @navcanada is understaffed 😤. We would have been perfectly on time, now many guests will miss their connections. Shows again why we need a proper shared accountability system across the entire sector! pic.twitter.com/Tc1KC70Z5D
— Alexis von Hoensbroech (@AHoensbroech) July 6, 2023
According to a spokesperson from NAV Canada, the flight delays in Vancouver were a result of aircraft capacity issues and unexpected absences. In a statement to BNN Bloomberg, NAV Canada acknowledged the seriousness of staffing-related challenges and highlighted their proactive approach to address them. The organization emphasized its commitment to optimizing scheduling, forecasting, and bringing in additional resources to mitigate delays. They also mentioned that they have a significant number of employees currently in training and more scheduled to enter training in the coming years, demonstrating their dedication to supporting increased traffic during busy travel seasons. NAV Canada expressed their collaboration with employees and unions to address these challenges effectively.
WestJet CEO, Alexis von Hoensbroech, has been advocating for shared accountability among industry partners when it comes to flight disruptions. He believes that not only airlines but also other stakeholders like air traffic controllers, security personnel, and border control officers should share responsibility for the reliability of air travel. Von Hoensbroech stressed the need for a collective effort to ensure a reliable aviation sector during his address to the Calgary Chamber of Commerce in April. He highlighted the current scenario where airlines often bear the burden of accountability for the entire industry, acting as de facto insurance companies. Meanwhile, existing Air Passenger Protection regulations allow passengers to seek compensation directly from airlines for flight delays exceeding three hours, unrelated to safety concerns.