Flight Delays Plunge at Canada’s Busiest Airports

Canadian air travellers have received some good news, with flight delays at the country’s busiest airports showing a major improvement this summer.

According to air traffic control agency NAV CANADA, flight delays at Toronto Pearson, Montréal-Trudeau, Calgary International and Vancouver International airports fell by up to 85% between May 1 and August 31, 2026, compared with the same period last year.

The agency said 4,996 flights, or 1.54% of scheduled flights, were affected by delays at the four airports during the same period in 2025. This year, the figure dropped to just 769 flights, representing 0.24% of scheduled flights.

NAV CANADA attributed the improvement to increased staffing, rehiring retired air traffic controllers and investments in new technology. The agency said a shortage of air traffic controllers remains, although staffing levels improved between May and August.