Owais Crawford
As of August 2025, Canadian airports are open and operational, with the exception of Toronto/Buttonville Municipal Airport in Markham, which closed on November 24, 2023. However, there have been temporary disruptions due to labour disputes and strikes, such as the Air Canada flight attendants' strike in August 2025, which resulted in the cancellation of all Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flights until further notice. Additionally, there have been instances of temporary runway closures at airports like Toronto Pearson International Airport due to safety issues or incidents. Overall, the operational status of Canadian airports varies, with some closures and disruptions occurring from time to time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | March 16, 2020 |
| Airport | Edmonton International Airport |
| Status | No longer accepting international flights |
| Reason | To slow the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic |
| Current border requirements | All COVID-19 border requirements have been removed as of October 1, 2022 |
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What You'll Learn
Canadian airports closed to international flights during COVID-19
Canadian airports were not entirely closed to international flights during the COVID-19 pandemic, but many restrictions were put in place to limit the spread of the virus. On March 13, 2020, the Canadian government issued an official advisory against all non-essential international travel, which remained in effect until further notice. Canadians were still permitted to travel abroad, but their options were extremely limited, and they were required to self-isolate for 14 days upon their return.
To further reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, the Canada-US land border was closed to non-essential travel, with the closure extended multiple times as the pandemic continued. In addition, several Canadian airlines, including WestJet, Air Transat, and Sunwing, grounded their international routes for extended periods during the pandemic.
Despite these measures, international travellers were allowed to connect to domestic flights without quarantining first. This decision was based on the relatively low risk of COVID-19 transmission on airplanes compared to other enclosed settings. However, data from Transport Canada showed that between March and September, an estimated 17% of air passengers arriving in Canada took a connecting domestic flight, raising concerns about the potential spread of the virus within the country.
To address these concerns, Dr. Isaac Bogoch, an infectious disease specialist, suggested that a point-of-entry quarantine policy might be considered. However, he also acknowledged that such a policy could be unpopular with travellers and may not significantly reduce the number of COVID-19 cases associated with international travel, which accounted for a small percentage of overall infections.
Overall, while Canadian airports did not completely close their doors to international flights during the COVID-19 pandemic, strict travel advisories, border closures, and reduced flight operations significantly limited international travel to and from Canada. These measures were implemented to curb the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health and safety of Canadians and visitors alike.
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Airports closed to departing flights after 9/11
In the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued the first national ground stop in the US, prohibiting departures for all civilian aircraft, regardless of destination. This was the first-ever unplanned shutdown of US airspace, with all aircraft ordered to land at the nearest airport as soon as possible.
The IRT Broadway-Seventh Avenue Line, which ran directly below the World Trade Center, was the most affected. Service was suspended south of Chambers Street, and there was flooding on the line south of 34th Street-Penn Station. The PATH station at the World Trade Center was also heavily damaged, and all service was suspended.
Many incoming international flights were diverted to Atlantic Canada to avoid potential targets in the US and large Canadian cities. Some flights from South America were diverted to Mexico, but its airspace remained open. New York-area airports, including JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark, were closed and reopened the next morning. Civilian air traffic resumed on September 13, with stricter security checks in place.
In Canada, there have been instances of airport closures to international flights during the COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2020, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that Edmonton International Airport would no longer accept international flights to slow the spread of COVID-19.
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Airports with increased security presence
Airport security has evolved over the years, with increased security measures put in place to protect passengers, staff, aircraft, and airport property from malicious harm, crime, terrorism, and other threats. Airports with increased security presence include:
Los Angeles International Airport
In February 2018, Los Angeles World Airports partnered with the TSA to pilot two security checkpoint technologies. One of them used facial recognition technology to automate the identification and boarding pass verification process.
Denver International Airport
In December 2018, Denver International Airport became the first US airport to operate next-generation Enhanced Advanced Imaging Technology (eAIT) for checkpoint security screening.
US Airports with Direct Flights to the United States
The TSA has increased the number of random searches of passengers and requires enhanced screening at select overseas airports with direct flights to the US.
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport
This airport has implemented the "Screening Passengers by Observation Techniques" (SPOT) program, which transforms the single-line screening process into a self-screening flow.
French Airports
Following the terrorist attacks in France in 1986, France established the Vigipirate program, which uses troops to reinforce security and increases requirements in screenings and ID checks.
US Airports in General
After the September 11 attacks, tougher regulations were implemented, including limiting the number and types of items passengers could carry on board and requiring increased screening for passengers without government-issued photo IDs. TSA's screening procedures are constantly evolving to prevent prohibited items and other threats, and passengers are encouraged to report any suspicious activities.
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Airports that hosted stranded passengers during Operation Yellow Ribbon
Operation Yellow Ribbon was commenced by Canada to handle the diversion of civilian airline flights in response to the September 11 attacks in the United States. The goal was to ensure that potentially destructive air traffic was removed from US airspace and placed on the ground in Canada. Seventeen Canadian airports welcomed stranded aircraft, with Gander, Newfoundland, becoming the most well-known.
Gander International Airport
Gander, a small town in northeastern Newfoundland, became the second-busiest airport in Canada during Operation Yellow Ribbon. The town, with fewer than 10,000 residents, welcomed 38 aircraft carrying 6,656 people. The residents of Gander opened their doors to the stranded passengers and crew, offering food, drink, and places to stay. Community centres and schools were turned into shelters, and residents donated food and bedding. For five days, the stranded passengers and crew lived in Gander, making friends and memories.
Halifax International Airport
Halifax International Airport handled the heaviest passenger traffic among Canadian airports during Operation Yellow Ribbon. The airport received 47 airplanes and over 8,800 passengers. Passengers were not allowed to disembark until the evening of September 11 due to security and communication issues. The town of Halifax experienced a sudden influx of refugees, with over 6,800 people stranded there for almost two days.
Vancouver International Airport
Vancouver International Airport received 34 aircraft as part of Operation Yellow Ribbon, including one with a military escort. Vancouver was the only non-US airport on the west coast that could accommodate large Transpacific flight planes. The airport's large size and multiple runway options made it well-equipped to handle the diverted flights.
Whitehorse International Airport
Whitehorse International Airport, located in Canada's northern Yukon territory, received a diverted flight that was initially believed to be hijacked. The 747 landed safely with a military escort, and the pilots were commended for their skill in navigating the challenging runway conditions.
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Airports with emergency measures in place
While I cannot find specific examples of airports with emergency measures currently in place, I can provide an overview of the standard emergency procedures and plans that airports have in place.
Airport Emergency Plans
Airport Emergency Plans (AEPs) are designed to minimise the possibility and extent of personal injury and property damage in an emergency. These plans are regularly reviewed and updated, with full-scale exercises taking place every 36 months. Airports must also ensure that their emergency plans align with any applicable security regulations.
Emergency Response Teams
Air carriers are encouraged to establish an Emergency Response Team (ERT) consisting of executive, core, and support members. The ERT is activated when a situation arises that could potentially necessitate an emergency response. All employees involved in the ERT are notified and deployed if the Emergency Response Plan and Center are opened.
Communications
Effective communication systems are vital for emergency operations. Airports must ensure they have the necessary systems in place, including recording devices, landlines, and extra cell phones and batteries. In extraordinary circumstances, organisations like the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) may provide support for emergency communications.
Crowd Control and Evacuation
AEPs include procedures for crowd control and evacuation instructions. Crowd control measures involve coordinating with safety and security agencies to manage crowds during an emergency. Evacuation instructions are also provided, detailing where to go and how to get assistance.
Health Screening
Health screening typically occurs at Federal Inspection Areas. Airport operators should stay informed about the latest epidemiological and virological findings to ensure effective screening measures. Screening should take place as soon as passengers enter the airport and before they leave the Federal Inspection Service (FIS) area.
Aircraft Accidents
Procedures are in place for removing disabled aircraft and rescuing victims of aircraft accidents. This includes removing aircraft from areas of water or marshland adjacent to the airport and providing for the rescue of victims in these areas.
It is important to note that specific emergency measures at airports may vary depending on the nature and scope of the emergency, and airports may also have additional procedures tailored to their specific needs and resources.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Boyle Airport is expected to be permanently closed by the end of 2024.
Yes, as of August 2025, Air Canada has suspended its restart plans after a union dispute. Air Canada plans to resume flights on Monday evening.
Yes, during the pandemic, Edmonton International Airport was closed to international flights in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.
