Countries Compete for Scarce Air Traffic Controllers
Australia, Canada and South Africa are competing for experienced controllers as global demand for staff grows.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Air Travel
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Australia, Canada and South Africa are competing for experienced air traffic controllers, with some countries recruiting foreigners to fill vacancies. Dozens of Australian controllers have resigned from Airservices or are exploring overseas work.
Why it matters
Controllers are leaving for higher pay, better working conditions and the ability to work beyond their home country's retirement age. Shortages have contributed to flight disruptions in Australia, the United States and Canada.
A CAE forecast projects 71,000 new air traffic controllers needed by 2034, while South Africa lost 28 controllers within eight months between 2024 and 2025. Indonesia will deploy five controllers to Australia next year, working there until 2030.
The players
Airservices Australia
Australia's national air navigation service provider, which says its controller attrition rate is within expectations.
NAV CANADA
Canada's private, non-share-capital corporation that provides civil air navigation services across the country.
Qatar
A Gulf state that has recently advertised for air traffic controller staff, drawing interest from experienced Australian controllers.
The details
Some countries are recruiting foreigners directly, with NAV CANADA using an external firm to find eight foreign controllers willing to immigrate. South Africa's Air Traffic and Navigation Services limits how many staff it seeks from any single country.
Timeline
South Africa lost 28 controllers in eight months between 2024 and 2025.
A CAE forecast published in 2025 projects 71,000 new controllers needed by 2034.
Indonesian controllers are scheduled to be deployed to Australia in 2026, working until 2030.
Market Landscape
The CAE forecast of 71,000 new controllers needed by 2034 frames the current poaching as an early sign of a global labor squeeze. Countries that can offer higher pay and flexible retirement terms are gaining an edge in a shrinking pool of qualified staff.
Travelers should expect that staffing shortages can lead to flight disruptions and delays in the regions affected. Checking airline notices before departure can help avoid surprises on connecting routes.
The takeaway
Air travel reliability depends increasingly on the staffing decisions of individual countries. Passengers planning trips during peak seasons should build extra time into connections where controller shortages are reported.
Further reading
For more on how staffing shortages shape flight schedules, see the Air Travel section.
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