Toronto Pearson prepares to welcome 10.4M passengers this summer

The largest airport in Canada expects to serve an average of 155,000 passengers per day

TORONTO, June 26, 2018 /CNW/ - Canada's largest airport is preparing to welcome over ten million passengers between Canada Day and Labour Day, an increase of more than 30% compared to the same period five years ago. The summer rush is predicted to bring with it an average of 155,000 passengers per day, climbing even further skyward on high-volume days. Toronto Pearson and its partners—air carriers, Canadian customs, CATSA and more—have taken steps to prepare for this massive influx of passengers and offer tips to help make travel easier.

"This summer, Toronto Pearson is once again preparing to welcome a growing number of travellers from around the world to Toronto and the region, reflecting the desirability of Canada as a tourism destination for millions of annual visitors," said Hillary Marshall, Vice President Stakeholder Relations and Communications, Greater Toronto Airports Authority. "We understand how important it is to work with our carriers and government partners to ensure that we have the appropriate resources in place to help more than 10 million travellers flow efficiently through our airport, providing more visitors to local attractions, customers to local businesses and jobs for area residents."

Fridays are typically the busiest travel days of the summer and Toronto Pearson projects that the four Fridays in the month of August will bring the highest daily passenger volumes:

• August 24      166,900
• August 17      166,800
• August 10      166,500
• August 3        166,000

Toronto Pearson places a high priority on ensuring an efficient and enjoyable airport experience for travellers, and as such continues to make significant investments in services and processes. Baggage infrastructure in both terminals has been enhanced, adding additional capacity for airline baggage handlers to load and unload bags, as well as 24/7 IT support to monitor over 25 kilometers of belts, automated pushers and other machinery. Additional CATSA Plus lines have been installed in Terminal 3, speeding the efficiency of passenger security screening. The CATSA Plus program will be rolled out to all airport checkpoints over the next two years. Toronto Pearson is also offering additional support for passengers with cognitive special needs through the MagnusCards smartphone app. MagnusCards helps to ensure that users can navigate the airport more easily through step-by-step instructional card decks.

Passengers arriving this summer will also enjoy the sounds of Canadian culture with the return of YYZ Live, Toronto Pearson's signature entertainment program. Produced in partnership with the City of Toronto, YYZ Live features a summer full of musical entertainment, with 75 performances from a curated list of local artists. YYZ Live performances are free and take place in different locations around the airport at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. For a full schedule of YYZ Live musicians and where they will be playing, visit the YYZ Live site.

Toronto Pearson Tips for Easier Summer Travel:

• Check in online from home or on your mobile device.
• Arrive at least two hours before a domestic flight, and three hours before an international flight.
• Reserve parking in advance to guarantee a spot and to take advantage of promotional offers.
• Prepare travel documents well in advance, and keep them easily accessible through check in, security screening and customs processes.
• If you are travelling through Terminal 3, download CBSA's eDeclaration app. This mobile app lets you complete customs declarations for up to 5 people travelling together, creating a scannable barcode that saves you time in the customs hall.
• Pack smart and dress for security screening. The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority, the agency responsible for security screening at Toronto Pearson and all Canadian airports, has comprehensive information and tips on their website: catsa.gc.ca/whatcanIbring.

For information on airport operations, travellers are encouraged to follow @torontopearson on Twitter. 

About the Greater Toronto Airports Authority
The Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) is the operator of Toronto Pearson International Airport. The GTAA's vision is to make Toronto Pearson the best airport in the world. Towards this objective, the GTAA focuses on ensuring the safety and security of passengers and airport employees, enhancing the passenger experience and supporting the success of its airline partners. Toronto Pearson served more than 47 million passengers in 2017, making it Canada's largest airport and the second-busiest North American international airport.

The area around Toronto Pearson is the second-largest employment zone in Canada. The airport facilitates 6.3% per cent of Ontario's GDP, directly employs 49,000 people and facilitates more than 300,000 jobs throughout the province of Ontario. Toronto Pearson believes that being a good neighbour means growing together with the communities it serves. To this end, the airport invests in social good and community-building initiatives through its community investment program, The Propeller Project.

For more information, please visit Toronto Pearson on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.

SOURCE Greater Toronto Airports Authority

GTAA Media Office, [email protected], [phone]