Trusted Traveler Programs Face Extended Suspension at Ottawa Airport
The expedited border crossing programs Nexus and Global Entry continue to be suspended at Ottawa International Airport, creating uncertainty for pre-approved travelers heading to the United States. The kiosks dedicated to these programs have been out of service since Sunday, February 23, 2025, with airport officials unable to provide a definitive timeline for their restoration.
Impact on Travelers and Airport Operations
This suspension means that Nexus cardholders, who are typically considered low-risk, trusted travelers, must now use regular security lines at the Ottawa airport. This development is expected to significantly increase wait times for U.S.-bound passengers, prompting airport authorities to advise travelers to allocate extra time for pre-clearance procedures.
"Nexus and Global Entry programs are suspended until further notice," confirmed the Ottawa International Airport in a statement posted on social media platform X. "Passengers travelling to the U.S. will not have Nexus/Global Entry access and should plan extra time for U.S. CBP pre-clearance."
Widespread Disruption Across Canadian Airports
The issue is not isolated to Ottawa. Major airports across Canada, including those in Calgary, Vancouver, Montreal, and Toronto, have reported similar suspensions, all advising passengers to allow additional time for security checks. While most airports have not explicitly linked the suspension to broader political issues, Vancouver International Airport indicated in a social media post that the programs were being suspended "due to the partial U.S. Government shutdown."
A spokesperson for Ottawa International Airport explained that staff are actively collaborating with U.S. Customs and Border Patrol to resolve the technical problems affecting the kiosks. However, no specific restoration date has been provided, leaving travelers in a state of limbo.
Alternative Solutions and Broader Context
In light of the suspension, the airport is recommending that travelers utilize the Mobile Passport Control app as an alternative method to help expedite processing. This digital tool allows passengers to submit their passport and customs declaration information electronically before reaching the inspection booth.
The partial U.S. government shutdown, which began on February 14, 2025, stems from a legislative impasse between Democrats and the White House over funding for the Department of Homeland Security. Immigration operations, a central component of President Donald Trump's second-term agenda, have been a key point of contention in these negotiations.
While the direct connection between this political deadlock and the Nexus/Global Entry suspension remains officially unconfirmed by most airports, the timing suggests a potential correlation. The Ottawa Citizen has reached out to both the U.S. Embassy and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol for further clarification but has not yet received additional details.
For now, travelers departing from Ottawa and other major Canadian airports must prepare for longer pre-clearance lines and adjust their schedules accordingly, as the trusted traveler programs face an indefinite hiatus.
