Toronto Pearson Continues to Experience Operational Disruptions

Labour issues with air carriers' fuelling provider limits airport capacity

TORONTO, July 3, 2015 /CNW/ - Toronto Pearson International Airport continues to experience operational disruptions due to ongoing issues with the air carrier consortium's fuel service provider.  As the fuel service provider experiences escalating labour shortages, aircraft movements have been significantly impacted – as of 5:00 pm, 185 flights have been cancelled. The GTAA is implementing a reduction in flights to minimize exceptionally long waits for passengers on aircraft.

"In the interest of passenger safety and comfort, and after considerable effort to mitigate the disruption caused by the air carrier consortium's contracted fuel service provider, we have been left with no option but to reduce flights into Toronto Pearson," said Howard Eng, President and CEO of the GTAA. "We have been coordinating with the air carriers and have encouraged them to prioritize their flights.  Our focus is to ensure those passengers currently impacted by this disruption are provided with necessities and receive regular updates on their flight status. We urge the air carrier consortium to work with their fuel service provider to address this situation immediately."

The Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) has worked with air carriers operating at Toronto Pearson and their fuel service provider throughout the day in an attempt to implement the airlines' contingency plans and minimize disruptions to passengers. 

All air carriers have been encouraged to consider options for fuelling at other airports or at their next destination.

The GTAA has escalated communications to passengers through multiple platforms, including its website, social media, news media and its mobile application. Additionally, the GTAA has increased its in-terminal employee presence and will distribute water, diaper kits and other necessities throughout the day. Passengers are advised to contact their air carrier about their travel plans. 

The GTAA is the operator of Toronto Pearson International Airport, handling the most airline passengers and cargo traffic of any Canadian airport.  Toronto Pearson is the second busiest airport in terms of international traffic (international and transborder) in North America. In 2014, 38.6 million passengers travelled through Toronto Pearson.

SOURCE Toronto Pearson

GTAA Media Office [phone]