TSB Reports Record Canadian Runway Incursions in 2024 Amid ATC Shortage

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has documented a record 639 runway incursions in 2024, marking the highest number in 15 years. The agency attributes the sharp increase to the dual pressures of resurgent air traffic and a persistent shortage of air traffic controllers across the country. While the most severe categories of incursions have stabilized, the overall trend has placed runway safety on the TSB's official Watchlist and intensified scrutiny on airport ground operations.

The findings highlight a systemic strain on Canada's air navigation system. The increase in incidents where aircraft, vehicles, or people incorrectly enter protected runway areas comes as Nav Canada, the country's civil air navigation service provider, grapples with a significant staffing deficit. This situation raises concerns about maintaining safety margins as passenger and flight volumes continue to climb toward pre-pandemic levels.

Runway Incursion Statistics Rise

According to the TSB's Watchlist 2025 report, the 639 incursions recorded in 2024 represent a significant uptick and have kept the issue on its safety watchlist since 2010. However, the data also provides a crucial distinction: the number of high-risk incidents, those with the greatest potential for a catastrophic collision, has remained stable. TSB data shows these serious events have averaged about one per year since 2018. Despite this, the sheer volume of lower-level incidents points to growing pressure on the system.

The Impact of ATC Staffing Shortages

At the core of the issue is a critical workforce shortage. Nav Canada has confirmed it is currently short approximately 200 air traffic controllers against its staffing targets. This reflects a broader trend, with the United States facing a shortfall of 3,000 to 4,000 controllers. The shortage forces Nav Canada to implement measures like traffic metering to manage workloads safely, which can lead to flight delays for airlines.

John Gradek, an aviation expert at McGill University, noted that Air Traffic Control (ATC) positions are inherently stressful and susceptible to burnout, complicating recruitment and retention efforts. In response, Nav Canada spokesperson Gabriel Bourget outlined a multi-year strategy focused on aggressive recruitment, training, and retention. Bourget stated that in the 2024-2025 period, staffing growth exceeded attrition by 26%. Federal Minister of Transport Steven MacKinnon has also publicly stated that the government is working closely with Nav Canada to address the staffing issue, reassuring the public that Canadian aviation remains safe.

Incursion Hotspots and Training Airports

TSB analysis reveals that the problem is not evenly distributed. A small number of airports account for a disproportionate number of events, with 20 airports responsible for 58% of all runway incursions. Of these, 13 host Flight Training Units (FTUs). Airports with significant flight training operations, particularly in British Columbia and Quebec, have recorded the highest incursion rates, suggesting that pilot inexperience is a contributing factor.

This concentration of incidents at training hubs has prompted calls for localized safety interventions and enhanced procedures for student pilots and instructors operating in complex, towered airspace. The TSB advocates for wider use of situational awareness technologies and dedicated local safety teams to mitigate risks at these specific locations, as detailed in its ongoing safety issue investigations.

Regulatory Scrutiny and Historical Context

The current focus on runway safety is heavily influenced by a recent tragedy. In March 2026, the fatal collision of an Air Canada Express jet and a fire truck at New York's LaGuardia Airport catalyzed intense scrutiny of runway safety protocols and ATC staffing levels in both the U.S. and Canada. That incident, which killed two pilots, served as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of a runway incursion.

This precedent follows other near-miss events, such as a 2018 incident at Trail Airport in British Columbia, which prompted the TSB to recommend new communication procedures and equipment for airport vehicles. These events underscore the continuous need for vigilance and adherence to Transport Canada's Aerodrome Standards and Recommended Practices, which govern all ground movements.

What Comes Next

Nav Canada's recruitment and training strategy is a long-term initiative. The service provider expects its controller training pipeline to yield a significant increase in qualified personnel by 2027-2028. Until staffing levels are fully restored, airlines and passengers may continue to experience occasional delays due to traffic management initiatives designed to maintain safety. The TSB is expected to continue monitoring the situation closely and may issue further recommendations if the rate of incursions does not decline.

Why This Matters

This development signals a systemic stress point in North American aviation infrastructure. The record number of incursions, driven by both traffic growth and workforce shortages, highlights the critical challenge of scaling operations safely. For aviation professionals, it underscores the importance of robust training, modern technology, and adequate staffing to maintain the integrity of airport ground operations.