Toronto's Airport Options: How Many And What's Their Future?

Toronto is served by several airports, with Toronto Pearson International Airport being the largest in Canada and the main airport serving the city. Toronto Pearson is located in Mississauga, around 15 miles from downtown Toronto. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is another major airport in the city, located on the Toronto Islands, just 1.6 miles from downtown. In addition to these, there are at least five other airports in the Greater Toronto Area, including John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport and Buttonville Municipal Airport.

Toronto Pearson International Airport is the largest and busiest airport in Canada

Toronto Pearson International Airport is the primary hub for Air Canada and a focus city for WestJet. It also serves as a hub for cargo airline FedEx Express and as a base for Air Transat and Sunwing Airlines. The airport is operated by the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) and is part of Transport Canada's National Airports System.

Handling over 44.8 million passengers in 2023, Toronto Pearson is Canada's busiest airport and was the 24th busiest airport in the world by passenger traffic in 2019. The airport has two passenger terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, and five runways. Terminal 1, which opened in 2004, has three concourses (D, E, and F) and 58 gates, with a capacity of 30 million passengers annually. Terminal 3 has three concourses (A, B, and C), 46 gates, and a capacity of 17 million passengers per year.

Toronto Pearson offers an extensive network of non-stop domestic flights to all major and many secondary cities across Canada. As of 2022, over 40 airlines operate more than 2,500 weekly departures to more than 160 destinations on six continents. The airport is supported by approximately 50,000 employees, excluding airline staff and policing.

The airport provides various transportation options, including the Union Pearson Express train, which connects the airport to Union Station in downtown Toronto in just 25 minutes. Several public transit bus services, such as the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), Brampton Transit, and MiWay, also serve the airport. Additionally, long-distance coach, van, and minibus shuttle operators provide transportation to various municipalities and regional airports in Southern Ontario and select cities in the US.

Toronto Pearson International Airport offers a range of shopping and dining options for travellers, including duty-free shopping and various restaurants. The airport also features multiple lounges, such as the Air Canada–operated lounges and Plaza Premium lounges, providing passengers with comfortable waiting areas.

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is a tranquil airport with few crowds

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport: A Tranquil Airport with Few Crowds

The Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (IATA: YTZ, ICAO: CYTZ) is a tranquil haven for travellers seeking a stress-free flying experience. Located on the Toronto Islands, just minutes from downtown Toronto, this airport stands out for its efficiency, convenience, and calm atmosphere. With a focus on providing a positive travel journey, Billy Bishop has earned a reputation as a peaceful and hassle-free gateway to and from the city of Toronto.

Efficient and Convenient Location

Billy Bishop Airport is conveniently situated in the heart of Toronto, offering easy access to the city's downtown core. Its proximity to the city makes it an ideal choice for travellers, whether they are rushing to a meeting or embarking on a well-deserved break. The airport's location takes the stress out of travel, with a complimentary shuttle service connecting passengers to Union Station and other points in the Greater Toronto Area.

Customer Experience

The airport's friendly and well-trained staff are committed to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey for all passengers. From the check-in process to security, the team at Billy Bishop is dedicated to making travel as effortless as possible. The airport also boasts an array of services, including complimentary baggage carts, nursing pods, and a secure Lost and Found department, ensuring that travellers have everything they need.

Dining and Shopping Options

Billy Bishop Airport offers a taste of Toronto's culinary scene with lounges and restaurants featuring locally sourced menus. Passengers can savour delicious meals before their flight, enjoying the unique flavours of the city. Additionally, the airport provides a range of shopping options, allowing travellers to pick up last-minute gifts or treat themselves to duty-free luxury items, souvenirs, and travel essentials.

Sustainability Initiatives

Billy Bishop Airport is committed to sustainable operations and has made significant strides in reducing its environmental impact. In 2022, the airport achieved an 18% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions, showcasing its dedication to cleaner and greener practices. The airport also utilizes renewable energy sources, powering all its operations, including moving sidewalks, airfield lights, and the ferry, with sustainable solutions.

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport stands out as a tranquil gateway, offering a refreshing travel experience with minimal crowds. Its convenient location, efficient services, and focus on customer satisfaction make it a preferred choice for travellers seeking a calm and stress-free journey. With its commitment to sustainability and the community, Billy Bishop Airport is an excellent example of a modern airport that prioritizes both traveller experience and environmental responsibility.

John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport is a stand-in for Toronto Pearson International Airport

Toronto is served by seven airports, eight heliports, and one water aerodrome. John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport is one of these airports and is located in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. It is around 40 miles from Toronto and serves the city of Hamilton and adjacent areas of Southern Ontario, including the Greater Toronto Area.

John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport is the third-largest cargo airport in Canada and the largest overnight express cargo airport in the country. It offers 24/7 operations and competitive fees, making it a key transportation hub for the Greater Hamilton Area and much of Southwestern Ontario.

The airport has a strategic location for dedicated cargo service to destinations within Canada, the US, and Europe. It has partnerships with major carriers, including Amazon, Canada Post, DHL, and UPS.

In contrast, Toronto Pearson International Airport is the primary hub for Air Canada and a focus city for WestJet. It is also a hub for cargo airline FedEx Express and a base for Air Transat and Sunwing Airlines.

John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport serves as a stand-in for Toronto Pearson International Airport, particularly for relief operations, as it is capable of handling jet aircraft. It provides an alternative option for travellers in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton area seeking affordable travel across Canada or to southern destinations.

Toronto has seven airports, eight heliports, and one water aerodrome

Toronto, Canada, has a total of seven airports, eight heliports, and one water aerodrome. The airports are:

• Toronto Pearson International Airport (IATA: YYZ, ICAO: CYYZ)
• Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ)
• John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport
• Brampton-Caledon Airport
• Burlington Executive Airport
• Oshawa Executive Airport
• Buttonville Municipal Airport (closed on 30 November 2023)

The seven airports and eight heliports are located within and around Toronto and its neighbouring cities, serving airline passengers, regional air travel, and commercial cargo transportation.

Toronto Pearson International Airport, located mainly in Mississauga, is the busiest airport in Canada and hosts international travel with various airlines. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport on the Toronto Islands is a regional airport, providing regular services to destinations in the United States. John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport in Hamilton is a base for low-cost carriers that fly domestic and transatlantic routes. Combined, these three airports served over 53 million passengers in 2018, making Toronto the 31st busiest city airport system in the world.

Heliports and water aerodromes, on the other hand, are mostly for private use, serving institutions and medical services.

Toronto Pearson International Airport is located in Mississauga, 22.5km from Downtown Toronto

Toronto Pearson International Airport is the largest and busiest airport in Canada. It is located in Mississauga, 22.5km from Downtown Toronto, and is the main airport serving Toronto, its metropolitan area, and the surrounding region known as the Golden Horseshoe. The airport is named after Lester B. Pearson, who served as the 14th Prime Minister of Canada from 1963 to 1968 and was awarded the 1957 Nobel Peace Prize for his humanitarian work in peacekeeping.

Toronto Pearson International Airport is accessible from multiple directions and is about 15 miles (25km) from the downtown core. The airport is easily accessible by car via Highway 427 and Highway 409, with Airport Road and Dixon Road providing local access. However, it is important to allow extra time when travelling to the airport by car, as traffic in Toronto can be heavy, especially during rush hour. There are also various public transportation options available, including the Union Pearson Express Train, which runs from downtown Union Station to Pearson in just 25 minutes. Additionally, ridesharing apps, public transit buses, and taxis or limousines are all viable options for travelling to and from the airport.

The airport has two active public terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, which are connected by the Terminal Link train. Both terminals are designed to handle domestic, transborder, and international travel. Terminal 1 has three concourses (D, E, and F) and 58 gates, while Terminal 3 has three concourses (A, B, and C) and 46 gates. Toronto Pearson International Airport offers a wide range of shopping and dining options, as well as multiple lounges for a more comfortable waiting experience.

The airport is supported by a large number of employees, with around 50,000 people working at the facility, excluding airline staff and policing. It also has an extensive network of non-stop domestic flights, with over 40 airlines operating more than 2,500 weekly departures to more than 160 destinations worldwide. As such, Toronto Pearson International Airport is a major hub for air travel in the region, serving over 40 million passengers annually.

Frequently asked questions