Air Canada has canceled more than 15% of its daily flights this summer as the industry suffers from “unprecedented and unexpected tensions” in the midst of an overwhelming travel revival.
This move will reduce airlines by an average of 77 round trips (or 154 flights) per day in July and August. Air Canada currently operates an average of about 1,000 daily flights.
“Four routes between the cities of Montreal and Pittsburgh, Baltimore and Kelowna, and between Toronto and Fort McMurray will be temporarily suspended,” the company said in an email on June 30.
“Most of the affected flights depart and arrive at the Toronto and Montreal hubs. These are primarily frequency drops, affecting evening and midnight flights by small aircraft, primarily on cross-border domestic flights. I will give it. “
The airline emphasized that international flights would not be affected, but that “some timing changes to reduce peak flights” and “equalize customer flow.”
and message “It wasn’t an easy decision,” CEO Michael Rousseau told the customer on June 29.
“Unfortunately, in our industry around the world things are not as business as usual. This affects our business and our ability to serve you with our standard of care. “He said.
“The COVID-19 pandemic shut down the world’s air transportation system in early 2020. Now, more than two years later, global travel is back and people are seen in our industry. I’m returning to flight at no speed. “
Rousseau said the surge in travel has caused “unprecedented and unexpected tensions in every aspect of the world’s aviation system,” causing repeated flight delays and congestion at airports around the world.
Compared to other industries struggling to reopen due to “supply chain clogging” and “stagnation of demand,” Air Canada foresaw these challenges and “quickly” during the pandemic. Rousseau said he was taking steps to prepare for the “reopening.”
“But despite detailed and careful planning, the largest and fastest adoption in history, and investment in aircraft and equipment, it’s clear that Air Canada’s business is also confused by the complex and unavoidable challenges of the industry. “He said.
“As a result, we have unintentionally canceled flights and lacked customer service for our customers and employees. We sincerely apologize.”
Travel delay
Airline and federal government Scrambled to accommodate endless routes, flight interruptions, lost luggage, and daily turmoil at airports, especially Toronto Pearson International Airport. This is an issue where the aviation industry is blaming the shortage of federal security and customs officers.
On June 10, the federal government announced that it would suspend random COVID-19 testing at all airports for vaccinated travelers until the end of the month.
Development began as airports and industry groups demanded that the program be canceled in the last few weeks. Airports and airlines say they are dealing with serious congestion due to various COVID-19 travel obligations and are expected to wait long hours for travelers.
June 29, Public Health Agency of Canada publication The random test will continue to be suspended until mid-July. However, travelers are required to submit travel information within 72 hours of arriving in Canada via the ArriveCAN app, regardless of vaccination status.
Rousseau said Air Canada needs to make its summer schedule a “meaningful cut” to stabilize its business.
“This wasn’t an easy decision, because it results in additional flight cancellations that negatively impact some customers,” he said.
“But by doing this in advance, affected customers can take the time to make other arrangements in order, rather than interrupting the trip just before or during the trip.
Canadian Press contributed to this report.
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Isaac Teo is a Toronto-based Epoch Times reporter.