Canada travel numbers still below pre-pandemic levels as more people take flight

Federal data shows more people are travelling now than at any other point in the pandemic — but numbers are still short of pre-COVID times.

Statistics shared by the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority show over 113,000 people passed through the country’s eight largest airports on Sunday.

However, on the same day in 2019, there were over 146,000 travellers.

Airport delays may be new normal warns expert

Air travelers are dealing with massive lineups and long wait times as many COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted. Brandon Rowe with why the delays may be an issue for weeks to come, and tips for anyone flying.

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While figures remain lower than before the health crisis brought air travel to a halt, challenges remain at airports across the country.

In recent weeks, major delays have been reported by international travellers looking to catch flights out of Canada. In some instances, passengers have reported missing flights due to long lineups.

CATSA is advising passengers to “arrive at the airport well in advance of their flights,” recommending two hours for domestic flights and three for U.S. and other international ones.

Related articles: 

• Long Canadian airport lines lead to push for loosened restrictions

• YVR security staff shortage causing longer waits

• Greater Toronto Airports Authority ‘urgently’ calls on feds to help with congestion

Staffing challenges and COVID-19 screening have taken part of the blame for some of the holdups at airports in recent times.

Travellers at Toronto Pearson have been dealing with long line-ups at security screening checkpoints and officials have urged people to give themselves lots of extra time at the airport.