Canada’s government is taking an initiative by minimizing delays for air travelers regarding waiting times and other complications at the airport. The difficulties that travelers face relate to the loss of baggage, abrupt cancellations, delays, and much more. The delays and difficulties result from the increased urge for people to travel and a lack of sufficient staff at the airport.
Transport Canada also released a report on statistics depicting the current situation of the Canadian airports and the several measures taken by the government to address the issues.
The released report suggests over 81 percent of passengers were scrutinized under the screens by security within a short span of 15 minutes between July 11 to July 21. The waiting time at Pearson’s International Airports in Toronto increased from July 18 to July 21, with 82 % of travelers being scrutinized within fifteen minutes. The previous week’s percentage was 78 % within the same time. However, 68 % of passengers were screened. The percentage of passengers waiting for over 45 minutes to be screened by Canadian security was less than 2 percent.
When compared to the pre-pandemic phase, the traffic at airports has increased. Between July 11 to July 17, approximately 89,000 people emerged at the Canadian airports, with a 76 percent increase compared to 2019 during the same period.
Departures increased up to 83 percent every year. The previous week’s percentage was 78 % within the same time. As per the data, 58 aircraft were retained on the tarmac from July 11 to 17 compared to 373 aircraft between May 23 to 29.
According to the Government’s webpage, it is observed that they have tried to confront the challenges by introducing officers of the Canada Border Services Agency and kiosks and eGates at Terminal one, CBA hall. This initiative will streamline the flow of travelers at Canadian airports.
There is an ongoing collaboration between the air industry airports and Canada, aiming to decrease the waiting times and keep up the movement of travelers.
They have executed the following initiatives:
Collaboration with air industry partners
Omar Alghabra, the transport minister, is conversing with the airport and airline leaders to confront the issues associated with travel.
He even met the Edmonton International Airport leaders to discuss matters related to reducing congestion and waiting times. Alghabra met with Vancouver’s officials and others at the Kamloops and Prince George airports in B.C.
Random mandatory testing (Covid-19)
The random mandatory testing (Covid-19) started again for those who have already got vaccinated with two doses. The testing is taking place at the four significant Canadian airports of Toronto Pearson, Calgary, Montreal Trudeau, and Vancouver. Those arriving at the Canadian airports are being tested outside the airports.
Once the air travelers complete their customs declaration, they will get an email notifying them about the random arrival test within fifteen minutes. The email will help them check with an appropriate regional testing provider.
With the random Covid testing resuming, the officials will be able to respond better to the new variants or any other epidemiological changes while eliminating the congestion issues at Canadian airports.
Increased staff members for security and screening purposes
Over 1,500 officials have been recruited since April across Canada. Toronto Pearson International Airport and Vancouver International Airport comprise the number of officers meeting the Summer Target Levels.
Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) is also working toward providing officers for the border services at congested airports with the temporary recruitment of retired officers, and an increased number of officials of the student border services.
Toronto Pearson International Airport- Customs Processing
The authority at the Greater Toronto Airports and CBSA are making adjustments with increased kiosks and eGates at the Toronto Pearson International airport. CBSA is also taking measures to prepare people for peak times at the airport.
ArriveCAN- improvements being made
Advance CBSA has an optional feature by the name of ArriveCAN. This has been introduced for advanced submission of their customs and immigration declaration. This feature is helpful for passengers emerging at the Toronto Pearson International Airport, Vancouver International Airport, and Montreal Trudeau International Airport to save time.
Those who travel frequently must also try the Saved Traveller feature under the ArriveCAN. This feature enables the user to save the documents related to travel and vaccination information. These can be re-used in the future while traveling.
Another information resource for air travelers regarding travel issues
A New Information Resource was introduced by the Canadian Transportation Agency intending to help passengers experiencing challenges related to traveling. The guide will answer all the frequently asked questions on travel. If passengers face any delays or cancellations, they are guided under the Air Passenger Protection Regulations. The same applies to them in the case of lost or damaged luggage.
