Ruth Haines
As of March 2025, Canada's airports are open to private investment, according to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, François-Philippe Champagne. This announcement was made as part of a commitment from Budget 2024 to support airports. The National Airports System is made up of 26 airports, 22 of which are run by private, not-for-profit airport authorities. While Vancouver International Airport has warned travellers to expect flight delays and cancellations due to resource constraints, Toronto Pearson Airport is building new infrastructure to address increased passenger demand.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Are Canadian airports open to private investment? | Yes |
| Who made the announcement? | Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, François-Philippe Champagne |
| Date of announcement | March 7, 2025 |
| Number of airports in the National Airports System | 26 |
| Number of airports run by private, not-for-profit airport authorities | 22 |
| Airports that have welcomed the announcement | Toronto Pearson, Montreal |
| Airports with delays and cancellations | Vancouver International Airport |
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What You'll Learn
Delays, cancellations and changes
In April 2025, Vancouver International Airport warned travellers to expect delays, cancellations or changes to their flights, which may also impact connecting flights. These disruptions were attributed to "resource constraints" and "unplanned absences", highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by airports in Canada and worldwide. It is always recommended to check the status of your flight with your airline before heading to the airport, especially if you have received notifications or alerts about potential issues.
Air Canada, the country's flagship carrier, provides a daily travel outlook with updates on flight disruptions, delays and cancellations. They also offer a service that automatically enrols passengers to receive flight notifications via mobile or email when they book. This can help travellers stay informed and make any necessary adjustments to their plans.
In addition to these operational challenges, Canadian airports are also susceptible to weather-related disruptions. Air Canada has developed a comprehensive hurricane and tropical storm policy to address these unforeseen events, providing some reassurance to travellers. When planning a trip, it is advisable to consider the potential impact of severe weather and stay updated on forecasts and any relevant advisories.
It is worth noting that Canadian airports are currently undergoing modernisation and infrastructure development, with the government welcoming private investment. This includes investment from pension funds and other private institutional investors. This influx of capital is aimed at enhancing airport facilities and improving the overall travel experience for passengers. However, during this transition period, travellers may encounter temporary inconveniences and adjustments. Staying informed and allowing for extra time when travelling through Canadian airports is advisable.
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Private investment
On March 7, 2025, Canada's Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, François-Philippe Champagne, announced that Canadian airports are open to private investment. This announcement was part of a commitment from Budget 2024 to support airports.
The National Airports System (NAS) is made up of 26 airports, 22 of which are run by private, not-for-profit airport authorities. These authorities manage airports located on land leased from the Government of Canada. Over the past three decades, Canada's airports have grown with the help of private sector investments, mostly in the form of long-term debt. However, with Canada's growing population and increasing demand for air travel, more investment is needed to support the growth of the country's air transportation system.
In conclusion, by opening up Canadian airports to private investment, the government aims to foster collaboration with private investors to drive airport development and economic growth, while also ensuring that the airports can meet the needs of Canadians.
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Security screening
All passengers at Canada's airports must undergo security screening. This process is administered by the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA). The screening includes the following steps:
Firstly, passengers must present their boarding pass for verification and may also be asked to show photo identification. They will then be asked to place personal items in bins, which will be sent through an X-ray machine along with their carry-on luggage. Passengers will also be asked to pass through a full-body scanner or a walk-through metal detector.
To speed up the screening process, passengers are advised to be aware of carry-on baggage restrictions and to wear clothing that does not contain metal parts. Liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in containers no larger than 100ml and placed in a clear, resealable plastic bag. Laptops and other electronic devices must be removed from carry-on luggage and placed in a bin by themselves.
In addition to the standard screening process, CATSA also conducts random additional searches. These searches are legislated requirements at all major Canadian airports and are designed to enhance security while minimising interference with air travel. As part of these enhanced security measures, passengers may be subject to explosive trace detection (ETD) testing. Screening officers may swab passengers' carry-on baggage, clothing, shoes, or electronic devices for traces of explosives.
Certain individuals are eligible for expedited security screening through programs such as NEXUS, Global Entry, and the Verified Traveller program. These programs are designed to streamline the security check-in process for pre-approved, low-risk travellers. For example, the Verified Traveller program allows air crew, police, and Nexus cardholders to skip certain parts of the standard security screening. Similarly, trusted travellers are still subject to screening rules for prohibited items and may be required to undergo additional search procedures.
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Travel documents
As of March 2025, Canada's airports are open to private investment. This includes 26 airports in the National Airports System, 22 of which are run by private, not-for-profit airport authorities.
Regarding travel documents, Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and persons registered under the Indian Act can enter Canada by right. However, all travellers, including citizens, must present valid travel and identification documents before boarding their flight. A Canadian passport is the only universally accepted identification document and is required for all visits abroad. It also proves one's right to return to Canada.
Other acceptable documents that support identity and/or citizenship include:
- Certificate of Canadian citizenship (large form issued between January 1, 1947, and February 14, 1977)
- Certificate of retention (issued between January 1, 1947, and February 14, 1977)
- Certificate of naturalization (issued before January 1, 1947)
- Registration of birth abroad certificate (issued between January 1, 1947, and February 14, 1977, by Canadian citizenship authorities)
Permanent residents of Canada who are members of the NEXUS or FAST programs must travel with a passport and proof of permanent residence. They may be asked to present these documents to a border services officer upon arrival. Returning residents must demonstrate that they meet the requirements for entering Canada.
Indigenous Peoples from the US with family in Canada may qualify for temporary border mobility measures. Approved travellers under this scheme must bring their passport or any official travel document, their port of entry letter, and a document proving membership in a federally recognized tribe in the US or citizenship of the Manitoba Métis Federation.
Additionally, visitors bringing any firearms or ammunition into Canada must declare them in writing using a Non-Resident Firearm Declaration form. A Temporary Firearms Borrowing License is required if one plans to borrow and use a firearm in Canada. These forms must be presented in triplicate and signed in front of a CBSA officer at the border.
Other important considerations when travelling to Canada include:
- Canadian law prohibits the possession and trafficking of controlled substances and narcotics, including some substances legal in certain US states.
- Canadian officials may search electronic devices at the border for child pornography, and illegal content can result in the seizure of the device and the detention, arrest, and prosecution of the bearer.
- Medical insurance: US health insurance is typically not accepted in Canada, and most care providers only accept cash payments.
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Air traffic control
On April 16, 2025, Vancouver International Airport warned travellers to expect delays, cancellations, or changes to their flights, which could also affect connecting flights. This notice was issued due to "resource constraints," specifically regarding a shortage of air traffic controllers. The agency responsible for air traffic control, Nav Canada, confirmed that a temporary traffic management initiative was implemented at Vancouver International Airport to address unplanned absences among air traffic controllers.
The situation at Vancouver International Airport highlights the broader issue of resource constraints within Canada's air traffic control system. Nav Canada previously acknowledged a severe shortage of air traffic controllers, impacting the management of Canadian airspace. This shortage may lead to similar disruptions at other airports across the country.
It is important to note that the Government of Canada has recognized the importance of investment in airport infrastructure. In March 2025, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry, François-Philippe Champagne, announced that Canada's airports are open to private investment. This decision aims to support the modernization and development of airport infrastructure to address increasing passenger demand. Airports such as Toronto Pearson and Montreal have welcomed this news, as it provides clarity for their planning processes.
While airports in Canada remain operational, travellers are advised to stay updated regarding the status of their flights. Checking for notifications and updates from airlines and airports is recommended to anticipate potential delays or cancellations. Air traffic control agencies, such as Nav Canada, are working to mitigate the impact of resource constraints and ensure the safe and efficient flow of air traffic.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, as of March 2025, Canada's airports are open to private investment. This includes investment from pension funds.
Yes, airports in Canada are open to passengers. However, there have been reports of flight delays and cancellations at Vancouver International Airport due to resource constraints.
To fly to Canada, you need a valid Canadian passport.
