Air Canada technical issue stabilizing, but airline says to expect more flight delays
Air Canada says its communicator system has begun to stabilize after experiencing technical problems on Thursday morning, but travellers are still expected to face delays and cancellations before it is back fully up and running.
The Montreal-based airline advised travellers to check the status of their flights online amid delays caused by an IT issue for the second time in a week.
A total of 292 Air Canada flights, or 55 per cent of the airline's scheduled load, had been delayed Thursday as of just before 6 p.m. EDT, along with 38 cancellations, according to tracking service FlightAware.com.
Air Canada Rouge has also experienced 79 delays, or 52 per cent of its flights, as well as 22 cancellations.
Air Canada said the latest issue "was in the same systems" but unrelated to the problem it experienced last Thursday, when it briefly grounded its planes. The system is used to communicate with aircraft and monitor their performance.
"We have been in the process of upgrading this system using a third-party supplier's technology. Air Canada will continue to work with the manufacturer to ensure stability in the system in the future," the airline said in an emailed statement.
"We apologize for the impact on our customers and appreciate their patience. We are working hard to get people on their way as soon as possible."
It said Thursday afternoon that aircraft "continue to move although still at a lower than normal rate" and it anticipates the effects to continue throughout the day.
"As a result, customers may experience delays and in some instances cancellations as we move through recovery," Air Canada said. "We have also put in place a flexible policy for those who wish to change their travel plans at no cost."
In April, the federal government unveiled a list of proposed reforms designed to close loopholes used by airlines to avoid paying fees under Ottawa's passenger rights rules.
That includes making passenger compensation the default in cases of flight disruption, with the onus on airlines to prove a flight delay or cancellation was due to reasons outside its control. Carriers would also face a greater burden of proof in situations where it is presumed that compensation is warranted.
The proposals were tabled as part of Bill C-47, the Budget Implementation Act, which awaits third reading in the House of Commons.
Transport Minister Omar Alghabra told reporters on Thursday that passengers affected by the latest Air Canada delays are already protected under existing laws because the issue was caused by factors within the airline's control.
He said his office had been in touch with Air Canada and was assured the company was aware of "the consequences of these delays."
"My understanding is that they're working on restoring (the system) as quickly as possible, but I also wanted to make sure that they understood their obligations toward their passengers and they make sure that they compensate those who are impacted," he said.
-- With files from Emilie Bergeron in Ottawa
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 1, 2023.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.