Canada’s Growing Air Travel Complaint Delays Hurt Tourism Industry

Air travel in Canada continues to be plagued by increasing wait times for passenger complaints, with a growing backlog that significantly impacts both travellers’ rights and the tourism sector. New data from Courtready, a legal technology company focused on making the Canadian legal system more accessible, has revealed that passengers now wait an average of 987 days nearly three years for a resolution to air travel complaints. This growing frustration stems from a steady decline in the processing of cases, which is having a direct impact on the country’s tourism industry.

A Frustrating Increase in Delay Times

The data analysed by Courtready and based on findings from the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) has shown a disturbing upward trend in complaint resolution delays. In the third quarter of 2024, 7,076 cases were decided by the CTA. By the third quarter of 2025, that number dropped to just 4,301, highlighting a growing backlog in processing. The gap between the date a flight takes off and when a decision is issued has also significantly increased, with wait times for resolutions rising from 692 days in Q3 2024 to 953 days in Q3 2025.

Tourism, a significant contributor to Canada’s economy, is particularly vulnerable to these long delays. Visitors from around the world often experience cancelled flights, missed connections, and lost baggage, with resolutions becoming more drawn-out due to the delays in the CTA’s complaint handling process. This has led to more tourists and domestic travellers seeking alternative methods of dispute resolution, with many turning to provincial courts for faster outcomes.

Passenger Complaints at a Record Low

The CTA’s latest figures show that the number of complaints being processed has hit a record low. In September 2025, only 1,348 decisions were made, which marks a 45% decrease from the previous year’s peak. This decline in decisions reflects not only a backlogged system but also the growing dissatisfaction among air travellers in Canada, who are now facing prolonged uncertainty when seeking compensation or resolution.

For tourists, this delay in resolutions has repercussions beyond inconvenience. As flight disruptions continue to affect those visiting Canada, potential tourists may reconsider travel plans due to the uncertainty and stress of air travel. The longer complaint resolution timelines discourage people from pursuing compensation claims, leading to frustrations that tarnish Canada’s reputation as a reliable tourist destination.

Courtready’s New Tools: A Lifeline for Canadian Travellers

In response to the mounting issues in Canada’s air travel complaint system, Courtready has launched the Air Passenger Complaints Tracker, a new tool designed to help Canadians track and analyze air travel complaint outcomes. This innovative tool, the first of its kind, aims to simplify the process and make it easier for passengers to stay updated on the status of their cases.

The tracker helps users stay informed by monitoring complaint resolutions, sending alerts when there is movement in their case, and ultimately empowering passengers to take control of their legal journey. While the tracker is a valuable asset for individuals dealing with air travel complaints, it also serves as a reminder of the importance of making the legal system more efficient for those in the tourism sector who are left waiting for answers.

Legal System Challenges Affecting the Canadian Tourism Sector

As wait times continue to stretch, more and more passengers are turning to alternative solutions to resolve air travel issues quickly. The complex legal procedures involved in submitting complaints to the CTA and the sheer volume of cases have led to overwhelmed systems, making it even more difficult for tourists to get the compensation they deserve. This issue has the potential to deter future tourists who are unsure about how their grievances will be handled should they face disruptions during their trip to Canada.

Travel disruptions, compounded by these delays in complaints handling, create a barrier for tourists hoping to enjoy Canada’s natural wonders, cultural experiences, and vibrant cities. More efficient legal tools like Courtready’s Air Passenger Complaints Tracker are essential for restoring traveller confidence and ensuring that Canada remains a top travel destination for international visitors.

Enhancing the Travel Experience for Tourists

Canada’s tourism sector must address the growing dissatisfaction among air travellers caused by prolonged wait times for air travel complaint resolutions. Courtready’s efforts to offer practical legal tools like the Air Passenger Complaints Tracker help streamline the complaint process, reducing the time and stress required to resolve issues. For both domestic and international travellers, these improvements are essential for maintaining a positive travel experience in Canada. As the country works to enhance its legal and aviation systems, faster resolutions to complaints could go a long way in ensuring that Canada remains a welcoming and reliable destination for tourists worldwide.

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How U.S. Airlines Can Improve Flight Delays: A Look at 2025’s 1.5 Million Hours Lost, All You Need To Know

According to a report from SkyRefund, which assists passengers in obtaining compensation for flight delays, U.S. air travellers in 2025 lost 1.5 million hours of time because of flight delays. The total lost time, which amounts to 171 years of waiting time, shows the persistent challenges that still affect the aviation sector. As air travel demand grows and operational systems become more intricate, travellers in the United States face ongoing challenges with flight delays.

Understanding the Causes of Delays

The report from SkyRefund, which analysed data from U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), revealed that the most common cause of delays in 2025 was late-arriving aircraft, accounting for nearly 40 percent of the total delays. This category alone led to approximately 600,000 hours of wasted time. Aircraft arriving late, typically due to earlier operational delays or tight schedules, created a ripple effect that impacted multiple subsequent flights.

Following closely behind were carrier-related delays, which included issues such as technical failures, staffing shortages, and slow baggage loading. These operational inefficiencies accounted for 31.83 percent of the total delays, equating to approximately 497,000 hours of passenger waiting time.

The third most common cause was disruptions attributed to the National Aviation System, including weather conditions, air traffic control, and airport operations. These factors contributed to about 21.4 percent of delays, or 334,000 hours, reflecting how unpredictable external factors continue to challenge the smooth operation of U.S. air travel.

The Impact on Travellers

For the everyday traveler, these delays translate into longer waiting times, missed connections, and a frustrating travel experience. The cumulative effect of flight cancellations and delays disrupts schedules, affects holiday plans, and creates uncertainty for business travelers who rely on timely arrivals. According to the U.S. Travel Association (USTA), these delays also have broader economic implications, impacting tourism and overall traveller satisfaction.

However, there are signs that the industry is taking action. Investments in air traffic control systems and other operational improvements, particularly in congested airport hubs, aim to address some of the root causes of delays. Experts suggest that with sustained effort, the situation could improve over time, but it remains a challenge for the immediate future.

What Can Travellers Do?

For passengers, the key takeaway is to stay informed and prepared for potential delays. Here are some practical tips for managing delays:

• Monitor real-time flight information: Make sure to track the status of your flight using airline apps or airport information systems.
• Choose flexible tickets: If possible, book flights that offer flexible change or cancellation policies, which can reduce stress when disruptions occur.
• Consider airport alternatives: For travellers flying during peak seasons, consider flying at off-peak hours or using airports with better on-time performance ratings.
• Know your rights: In case of significant delays, airlines are required to provide compensation or accommodation in certain situations, as per the U.S. Department of Transportation’s passenger rights regulations.

While these steps can’t eliminate the frustration caused by delays, they can help mitigate the impact and provide a smoother experience overall.

Moving Forward with Optimism

Despite the alarming figures of 1.5 million hours lost in 2025, there is hope for improvement in the U.S. aviation sector. Industry stakeholders, from airlines to government agencies, are actively working on initiatives to reduce delays and improve the passenger experience. Continuous upgrades to air traffic control systems and airport infrastructure show a commitment to resolving operational challenges.

St. Kitts has officially unveiled its Travel Advisor Board, marking a significant move to elevate its tourism strategy and global visibility. The St. Kitts Tourism Authority (SKTA) will benefit from this new initiative which creates a special group of travel experts who will provide their professional knowledge and valuable insights to the organization. The island nation plans to improve its Caribbean travel market position by utilizing expert knowledge while fulfilling the changing needs of premium travelers.

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