International Airport Review
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has expressed disappointment over Canada’s 2023 Federal Budget. The association sees the budget as lacking positive reinforcement to strengthen Canada’s air system, encourage global competitiveness and sees it risk making travel unaffordable for passengers.
“IATA was hopeful that the Federal Budget would include measures to support the recommendations from the House of Commons Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. Unfortunately that was not the case,” wrote Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, in a letter to Canada’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, and to the Minister of Transport.
In his letter, Walsh welcomed the proposal to provide CA$1.8 billion over five years to the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) to maintain and increase its level of service, reduce passenger screening wait times and strengthen security measures at airports. “However this has come with a proposed 33% increase in the Air Travellers Security Charge (ATSC). This makes air travel even less affordable for all Canadians,” wrote Walsh.
