Transport Minister Omar Al-Ghabra said that the upcoming holiday travel season will definitely be a busy season, but he is working with stakeholders in the air travel sector to ensure that the summer flight cancellations and lost baggage problems do not repeat.

Al-Ghabra also told Joyce Napier during the questions period on CTV, in an interview broadcast Sunday, that he was working with CEOs of major airlines, airports, and the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority, among others, to ensure a smooth travel season, adding: "Look, Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year. And since it will be one of the busiest times of the year, I expect there to be some minor issues, but what I want to make sure does not happen again are the unacceptable delays we saw last summer, from cancellations, and the frustration over lost baggage."

Al-Ghabra also said that delays caused by weather events like snowstorms are always possible, but "despite all that, organizations must be prepared and ready for this busy season."

The Minister of Transport also said: "I receive regular assurances that employment levels are where they should be. I monitor it regularly as I said, so I feel confident."

He also said: "Everyone should know that there is a strong focus by everyone to ensure the sector is ready for the Christmas rush, and I want people to feel confident. This is the first Christmas in two years with no travel restrictions, and I know many people want to visit their loved ones, so I want them to feel confident."

Additionally, the Minister of Transport held a summit for industry stakeholders in late November to prepare for the upcoming travel season, and "focus on the lessons learned from last summer," where he said there is a focus on how to update the engagement of air travel partners and digitize information, plans to update passenger security screening processes, and review traveler protection regulations.