OTTAWA — The latest update from the federal government on Canada’s airport delays and flight cancellations comes with a strongly worded admonishment directed squarely at the airlines.

The update comes as Transport Minister Omar Alghabra and others get ready to speak at the House of Commons’ transport committee hearings, set to start towards the end of next week.

Delays at Canada’s biggest airports as well as flight delays and cancellations have been frustrating travellers and the industry for months.

Most recently, reports surfaced of passengers bound for Winnipeg who faced multiple delays and then ultimately the cancellation of their flight. According to reports, passengers were given yoga mats to sleep on the floor at Pearson.

Says the federal government’s update: “No traveller should have to sleep on the floor of an airport or feel unsafe as a result of a flight that is delayed or cancelled. This is unacceptable.

“The Government of Canada strongly encourages Canadians to know their rights when they travel by air under the Air Passenger Protection Regulations – these rules cover compensation requirements for all flight incidents that are considered within an air carrier’s control, including flights delayed or cancelled as a result of crew shortages. Through each part of their travel journey, passengers should document any incidents that occur as they may be eligible for compensation.

The update adds that as of Sept. 8, 2022, amendments to the APPR will come into force “to ensure passengers are compensated for flight delays, cancellations, and other incidents that may be out of an air carrier’s control. This will ensure Canadian travellers are protected in nearly every circumstance. Travellers have rights, and these must be respected by airlines and airports through each step of the travelling experience.”

Also included is the latest data on flight completions, on-time performance, holding of aircraft at Pearson, and more. Here’s a look …

• For the week of Aug.1-7, 97% of flights planned for Canada’s top four airports were not cancelled, compared to 88% over the same period in July.
• From Aug. 1-7, over 85% of flights from the top four airports left on time, or within one hour of their scheduled departure. This is an improvement from under 75% for the first week of July.
• The number of aircraft being held on the tarmac at Toronto Pearson International Airport has decreased dramatically since early May, according to the update. Over the last week of July, 1%, or 19 aircraft, were held on the tarmac, as compared to the peak of 373 the week of May 23- 29, 2022.
• From August 1-7, 88% of passengers at the four largest airports were screened within 15 minutes by the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA), an improvement from 84% the previous week (July 25-31).

– Toronto Pearson International Airport: 88% for August 1-7

– Vancouver International Airport: 84% for August 1-7

– Montréal-Trudeau International Airport: 87 percent for August 1-7

– Calgary International Airport: 89 percent for August 1-7