The complaint fee for airlines hasn’t even taken off yet, and already there’s talk it could be reduced.

According to the CBC, the CTA is set to reduce the $790 fee in the wake of reported pushback from former transport minister Anita Anand and the airlines.

The coverage from the CBC’s investigative unit, Go Public, comes on the heels of Go Public’s allegations in January 2026 that the fee’s rollout had been stalled by Transport Canada officials and successive transport ministers.

In fall 2024 the CTA launched a one-month consultation on the proposed fee, which would apply to valid customer complaints processed and settled by the regulator. According to the proposal, airlines would be charged $790 for each passenger complaint resolved by the CTA, regardless of which party wins the dispute.

The agency estimated it would be able to close just over 22,600 air travel complaints per year, amounting to roughly $17.9 million in fees charged to airlines, and said the charge aimed to cover 60% of the projected $29.8-million annual cost of handling eligible complaints. At that time, airlines submitted their feedback and shared their thoughts.

As reported earlier this month, the number of air travel complaints currently in the CTA queue is nearing 100,000 – and with the backlog mounting by the day, there are calls for reform.

Source: Travelweek