Santa Claus cleared for travel in Canadian airspace

The federal government announced Monday, just ahead of the busy holiday season, that Santa’s sleigh has been cleared to fly over Canadian airspace.

In a statement released Monday, Transport and Internal Trade Minister Anita Anand said she consulted with her elves and reviewed several key documents, including Santa’s flight plan.

Anand also met Santa for the first time since becoming transport minister.

“Transport Canada is committed to ensuring safe and smooth travel across the country this holiday season and wishes all Canadians a safe and happy holiday season,” the statement added.

Children can track Santa and his reindeer on Dec. 24 via the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) website. The website features a holiday countdown, games, music and more. This is the 69th year that NORAD has been tracking Santa Claus and his companions.

Every year, at least 100,000 children call NORAD to ask where Santa is, and millions more follow him online in nine languages, from English to Japanese.

The tradition dates back to the Cold War, when a child mistakenly called the Continental Air Defense Command (now called NORAD) and recited his Christmas wish list, sparking the annual tradition.

Those interested can call 1-877-HI-NORAD and ask live operators about Santa's whereabouts from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. Eastern Time.

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