January 29, 2025
With shorter days and plummeting temperatures, winter introduces a new set of challenges to air travel in Canada. Snow-covered landscapes may offer stunning views, but they also require meticulous planning and coordination to ensure smooth operations in one of the world's most complex and diverse airspaces. NAV CANADA, the organization managing Canada's air navigation services, works tirelessly to ensure aircraft can navigate winter’s unique challenges safely and efficiently.
Winter weather can significantly impact flight operations. Snowstorms, freezing rain, and wind shear can disrupt flight schedules, while icy conditions require extra vigilance for runway and taxiway safety. NAV CANADA employs state-of-the-art meteorological tools to provide real-time weather updates to pilots, flight dispatchers, ground crews, and many other aviation industry professionals, allowing for proactive adjustments to flight plans and operations.
Events can be unpredictable during the winter, but advanced forecasting systems and decision-support tools enable NAV CANADA to manage air traffic flow, even during adverse conditions. These systems predict weather patterns and their potential impact on air traffic, allowing the organization to prepare and implement contingency plans effectively.
“Working closely with our customers and partners, we focus on keeping aircraft moving safely and efficiently,” says Marie-Pier Berman, Vice President and Chief of Operations at NAV CANADA. “Winter weather can be tough, but our teams are up for the challenge, making sure Canada’s airspace runs smoothly and safely all season long.”
Peak winter travel, particularly around the holidays, adds pressure to an already challenging environment. Demand for flights increases, especially to destinations known for skiing, family reunions, or warm-weather escapes. To accommodate the surge, NAV CANADA works closely with airlines and airports to streamline operations and minimize delays.
Collaborative decision making (CDM) is a cornerstone of these efforts. By sharing data and insights, airlines, airport authorities, and NAV CANADA align their strategies to optimize air traffic flow and capacity. This collaboration helps reduce delays and enhances the passenger experience, even during the busiest travel periods.
At YYC Calgary International Airport, where temperatures are known to drop below -35 °C during the winter, airport staff begin to prepare for winter weather well in advance of the temperatures dropping and the first snowflakes falling.
“Maintaining a safe operation is always our number one priority and The Calgary Airport Authority works closely with our partners to prepare for winter weather, including snowy and extreme cold weather conditions,” says Chris Miles, Chief Operating Officer at the Calgary Airport Authority. “Preparations for winter weather begin as early as August and include ensuring staffing levels can meet operational demand and readying our fleet of specialized equipment, which includes snow plows, snow sweepers and snow blowers, for winter operations."
Staying in constant communication with partners as they plan for the winter months, both inside the terminal and out on the airfield, is critical to the airport’s preparations to ensure they are ready to respond to unpredictable winter weather while keeping guests and aircraft moving safely, adds Miles.
Technology plays a critical role in maintaining safety and efficiency throughout the winter months. NAV CANADA’s sophisticated air traffic management systems ensure aircraft can navigate complex airspaces while accommodating weather-related rerouting. Ground-based navigational aids, such as Instrument Landing Systems (ILS), allow pilots to land safely even in low-visibility conditions caused by snow or fog.
Additionally, the organization’s use of satellite-based navigation technology, such as ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast), provides real-time surveillance of aircraft. This technology improves situational awareness for air traffic controllers and helps ensure optimal routing and spacing of aircraft, especially in remote areas where traditional radar coverage may be limited.
Behind the scenes, NAV CANADA’s team of air traffic service professionals, technologists, engineers, and business and operational support employees are the backbone of Canada’s air navigation system. During the winter, their expertise is essential in managing the complexities of adverse weather and heightened travel demand.
To maintain service excellence, the company prioritizes ongoing training for its employees. Simulations and scenario-based exercises prepare personnel to handle winter-specific challenges, from coordinating de-icing procedures to managing airport capacity during snowstorms. Careful planning and extensive teamwork help to ensure sufficient staffing to meet increased demand, particularly at key locations across the country.
Safety remains NAV CANADA’s top priority, regardless of the season. Winter operations include enhanced protocols for inspecting and maintaining equipment affected by extreme cold, snow, and ice. Runway surface condition reports and de-icing procedures are coordinated closely with airport operators to minimize risks.
In addition, the company collaborates with Transport Canada and other stakeholders to ensure compliance with national and international safety regulations. These efforts reinforce Canada’s reputation as a global leader in aviation safety.
For millions of travellers taking to the skies this winter, air navigation services efforts often go unnoticed, but are crucial to a seamless journey. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, fostering collaboration across the aviation industry, and investing in skilled personnel, NAV CANADA ensures that the Canadian airspace operates smoothly, no matter how harsh the winter weather may be.
“As you head out for holiday trips or family gatherings, you can count on NAV CANADA to keep your travel safe and efficient,” says Berman. “We’re ready for the challenges winter brings, with safety always top of mind, ensuring Canada’s skies stay open and aircraft stay on course.”
Learn about air traffic management initiatives and how the weather, construction, gate or taxiway layout and other factors can impact aviation.