Could air travel be impacted again this summer? One expert weighs in

One expert is cautiously optimistic for a busy summer travel period this year.

The summer of 2022 was as a difficult time for air travel, with passengers experiencing delays, long security wait lines, and lots of lost luggage.

With travel volume returning to pre-pandemic levels, one expert says this summer could also be plagued with issues, but he's staying "cautiously optimistic."

"We're not out of the woods yet," McGill University School of Aviation Management lecturer John Gradek told CTV's Your Morning on Monday.

Prospective travellers are wary of a WestJet pilots strike that could happen Tuesday if the two sides do not reach a deal.

The Air Line Pilots Association, which represents about 1,600 flight crew at WestJet and its subsidiary Swoop, is asking for job protection, an increase in pay and better scheduling.

On top of the potential strike action, Gradek says Canada may have a looming pilot shortage.

"Airlines are looking at the writing on the wall," Gradek said, noting the effects of retirement and other factors behind a dwindling number of pilots.