Air traffic controller Nav Canada closing in Halifax after COVID-induced downturn

Halifax flight information centre to close Nav Canada has announced the closure of its Halifax flight information centre due to the pandemic.

HALIFAX — Air traffic control company Nav Canada is closing its Halifax flight information centre as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to squeeze the global airline industry.

Nav Canada announced this week it was making the move to streamline its operations as the company tries to adapt to lower levels of air traffic.

The president and CEO of the company, Neil Wilson, said in a statement Nav Canada is in the toughest moment in its history because of the economic downturn caused by the global pandemic.

The private, non-profit company had more than five thousand employees across the country before the pandemic but has since cut 14 per cent of its workforce -- more than 720 people.

Nav Canada has also announced it is closing its flight information centre in Winnipeg.

The company says air traffic services will not be affected by the changes as its remaining flight information centres will provide necessary information to pilots and dispatchers.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 25, 2020.