A member of parliament said Ottawa may have underestimated Canadians' desire to travel when planning the return to normalcy after ending most pandemic restrictions.

Airlines and airports are struggling with an increase in customers this summer, exacerbated by a staff shortage affecting both airlines and federal agencies.

As a result, travelers experienced widespread flight cancellations, baggage delays, and long lines, especially at Toronto's Pearson International Airport.

Last month, due to a glitch, the ArriveCan app required about 10,200 travelers to quarantine for 10 days.

Annie Koutrakis, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport, told reporters in Calgary on Tuesday that the planning for returning to normal was slightly off. Koutrakis said, "Data shows we did not expect everyone to start traveling to this extent."

Transport Minister Omar Alghabra was questioned about delays at a House of Commons committee meeting last week.

Conservative MP Melissa Lantsman asked him whether the federal government bears any responsibility, to which Alghabra replied, "I blame COVID." He noted that the labor shortage is the main contributor to the delays.

Koutrakis added that data indicates that abandoning the ArriveCan app would increase delays and bottlenecks, and removing it would not reduce wait times.

A statement issued by Alghabra's office also said the government is aware that airport delays are frustrating for travelers and that he has met with airlines and airports to address the concerns.