Air travel: Budget hopes to speed up airport security, reduce delays
OTTAWA –
The federal government has set a goal of traveling by air after introducing plans in its budget to speed up airport security checks and reduce flight delays.
Submitted by the Liberals on Tuesday after a tumultuous year of travel, the budget promises $1.8 billion over five years to the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority to improve passenger screening and increase strengthen security measures at airports.
It also proposes a new rule requiring airlines and airports to share and report data as a way to cut delays and increase industry coordination.
Monette Pasher, head of the Airports Council of Canada, said what she calls “incremental” steps to help the industry and improve the passenger experience are encouraged.
However, Sylvie De Bellefeuille, an attorney with the advocacy group Option consommateurs, said that “the important thing is in the details” about data sharing, including the extent of public access and timely reporting.
The budget measures come after Transport Minister Omar Alghabra pledged to revise the country’s passenger rights charter in January following a turbulent travel season during the summer and winter breaks driven by demand. high rise and bad weather.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on March 29, 2023.