With chaotic scenes at Toronto and Vancouver airports making news this week, the head of the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority has apologized to air travellers for the inconvenience caused by recent increases in wait times at some major airports and insisted that CATSA is aggressively working to address the situation.
Citing a perfect storm of pent-up demand by travellers coupled with a shortage of security workers, CATSA CEO Mike Saunders is asking for “patience and understanding” from travellers with screening personnel, who, he says, “are doing their best to move air travellers through the screening process as quickly as possible while ensuring their safety and security.”
Saunders says the situation follows two tumultuous years (of pandemic) that resulted in a significant number of layoffs throughout the aviation industry, including the security-screening workforce.
He added that while the Crown corporation’s third-party security contractors – who are responsible for providing the screening officer workforce – have been working to increase staffing levels, “they are not immune to the recruitment challenges experienced by the broader commercial aviation industry and, indeed, many industries across Canada at this time.”
He says CATSA has been actively supporting them as additional measures are taken to recruit, train and certify new, qualified screening staff, while continuing to work ensure provide the highest levels of security screening.
“Now, as then, CATSA’s priority is to protect the public through effective and efficient security screening and we are committed to meeting that mandate,” says Saunders.
When to arrive
In the meantime, until staffing levels return to normal, CATSA “strongly advises” passengers to arrive at the airport well in advance of their flights – two hours for domestic and three hours for US and international destinations.
Passengers should also be prepared for security screening CATSA requirements that all liquids, gels, and aerosols in a carry-on baggage be in containers of 100 ml or less and placed in a clear, 1L resealable bag. Additional tips that can help speed security screening, as well as current wait times at major airports are available at https://www.CATSA.gc.ca