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Regular or frequent disruptions have become the norm in Canadian business travel, just as the sector is rebounding from the pandemic years.

According to a recent survey by the global travel agency Corporate Traveller, one in 10 businesspeople report regularly or frequently facing travel disruptions, while an overwhelming 70 per cent have experienced disruptions at least once.

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The survey results could signal turbulent skies ahead for business in Canada, as the sector braces for a projected 11 per cent rise in demand this year, the report said.

This increase is in line with the Global Business Travel Association’s 15 per cent growth projection, bringing urgency to the need to address the disruptions, said the agency.

“Surging business travel demand and reduced airline seating capacity compounds these challenges,” said Chris Lynes, managing director for Flight Centre Travel Group Canada, which includes Corporate Traveller.

Lynes noted that the true cost of the disruptions extends beyond mere inconvenience, posing a tangible threat to business productivity and economic stability, he said.

According to the study, 91 per cent of business travellers who have experienced such disruptions report an adverse impact on their business plans. Twelve per cent said the disruption had a significant adverse impact, while more than 42 per cent say it had some adverse impact.

“Together, these findings underscore the critical importance of proactive measures in managing travel disruptions,” said Lynes, adding that mitigating these risks can yield savings for businesspeople.

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To bolster the country’s business travel sector, the Canadian government recently announced $50 million in funding for Destinations Canada to help attract major international conventions, conferences and events — an investment that depends on smooth travel experiences.

With the substantial growth in Canada’s business travel sector, curbing the frequent disruptions is paramount, said Corporate Traveller.

“Effective travel management and proactive support are not only vital for smoother business operations but also for Canada to continue attracting global business travellers,” it said. “As the demand for business travel surges, the need for strategic, well-executed solutions becomes ever more pressing.”

Among the most common causes of travel disruptions cited by respondents were general flight or travel delays at 63 per cent, flight or travel cancellations at 32 per cent and missed connections at 31 per cent.

Other issues included lost or delayed luggage at 29 per cent, overbooked flights at 22 per cent, and 17 per cent cited problems with accommodations. A denial of departure or entry due to expired visas and the like was cited by nine per cent of respondents.

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The top reported causes of disruptions were mechanical faults and severe weather at 43 per cent.

Other causes included administrative errors at 19 per cent, transport worker strikes at 17 per cent, health emergencies and incomplete paperwork both at 15 per cent and critical security concerns at 13 per cent.

The study found regional differences for Canadian travellers, with Albertans experiencing the most flight delays (at 74 per cent) and missed connections (43 per cent). Sixty three per cent of Ontarians reported frequent delays, although they had fewer missed connections (26 per cent). British Columbians were subject to the most mechanical issues, at 53 per cent.

Overall, Quebecers were the least disrupted travellers at 46 per cent, compared to those in Alberta (67 per cent), British Columbia (72 per cent), and Ontario (76 per cent).

The poll commissioned by Corporate Traveller was conducted online by YouGov Plc between July 3 and 11. It surveyed a total sample size of 1,049 adults from Canada who are likely to travel for business in the next 12 months.

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