Air Canada will make “significant reductions” in its flight schedule in July and August to deal with ongoing flight delays and airport congestion, according to a statement released Wednesday.
In an emailed statement to customers, Air Canada President and CEO Michael Rousseau said the airline’s operations and its ability to serve customers with its normal standards of service are have been affected.
Read more: Half of domestic flights to Canada’s major airports were delayed, canceled last week
“The COVID-19 pandemic stopped the global air transportation system in early 2020,” Rousseau said. “Now, after more than two years, global travel is resurrecting and people are flying back at a pace never seen in our industry.”
He said the increase in travel “has created unprecedented and unforeseen tensions in all aspects of the global aviation system,” in which demand from the airport exceeds the capacity of the system.
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In recent months, airports around the world have experienced an increase in travel as COVID-19 restrictions for travelers loosen in many countries.
Analysis firm Data Wazo revealed Wednesday that 54 per cent of flights to Canada’s four largest airports were delayed or canceled last week, with Toronto’s Pearson Airport facing the biggest chaos in travel.
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Despite the canceled flights, passengers have also suffered long waits at the border and delays in luggage.
In addition, the lack of staff at airports and airlines has put stress on the travel industry.
2:29 Toronto Pearson Airport Passengers with Luggage Storage Toronto Pearson Airport Passengers with Luggage Storage
Rousseau said that while Air Canada has done everything possible, including offering flexible ticketing policies, fast hiring and investments in aircraft and equipment, the airline’s operation is unable to meet the demands of its customers.
He added that Air Canada believes the decision to reduce flights could reduce passenger volume to a level that the air transport system can accommodate.
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“We are convinced that these changes will bring about the improvements we have set out to do,” Rousseau said.
“But to set expectations, it must also be understood that the real benefits of this action will take time and will only be felt gradually as the industry regains the reliability and robustness it had achieved before the pandemic.”
– with archives of The Canadian Press
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