Air Canada to reduce July, August flights in response to travel congestion – National | Globalnews.ca

According to a statement released on Wednesday, Air Canada will make “meaningful cuts” to its flight schedules in July and August to control flight delays and airport congestion.

In an emailed statement to customers, air Canada President and CEO Michael Russo said the airline’s ability to operate and serve customers with normal standards of care has been affected.

“The COVID-19 pandemic brought the world air transport system to a halt in early 2020,” Rousseau said. “Now, more than two years later, global travel is making a resurgence, and people are returning to fly at a rate never seen before in our industry.”

He said the increase in travel has “caused unprecedented and unpredictable stress on all aspects of the global aviation system,” with airport demands exceeding the system’s capacity.

Over the past months, airports around the world have been experiencing a surge in travel as many countries ease COVID-19 restrictions for travelers.

Analytics firm Data Wazo revealed on Wednesday 54 percent of flights to Canada’s four biggest airports were either delayed or canceled last week, with Toronto Pearson Airport facing the biggest travel chaos.

Despite the cancellation of flights, passengers are also facing long waits and baggage delays at the border.

In addition, staff shortages at airports and within airlines have hit the travel industry.

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Passengers facing baggage backlog at Toronto Pearson Airport

Rousseau said that although Air Canada has tried its best to offer flexible ticketing policies, including accelerated recruitment and investment in aircraft and equipment, the airline’s operations have not been able to meet the demands of its customers.

He said Air Canada believes the decision to reduce flights could reduce the number of passengers to a level that the air transportation system can accommodate.

“We are confident that these changes will bring about the reforms we have targeted,” Rousseau said.

“But in order to set expectations, it must also be understood that the real benefits of this action will take time and will be realized only gradually as the industry regains the credibility and strength it acquired before the pandemic. Was.”

— With files from the Canadian Press