
Toronto Pearson International Airport, also known as Lester B. Pearson International Airport, is identified by the airport code YYZ. Located in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, it is the largest and busiest airport in the country, serving as the primary airport for Toronto and the surrounding region. The airport is named after Lester B. Pearson, Canada's 14th Prime Minister and 1957 Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Toronto Pearson International Airport |
| Airport Code | YYZ |
| ICAO Code | CYYZ |
| Location | Mississauga, Ontario, Canada |
| Distance from Downtown Toronto | 25 km |
| Latitude | 43.68 |
| Longitude | -79.63 |
| Runways | 5 |
| Passenger Terminals | 2 |
| Cargo, Maintenance, and Aerospace Production Facilities | Multiple |
| Site Area | 1,867 hectares |
| Annual Passenger Traffic | 44.8 million (2023) |
| Transit | Metrolinx Line 5 Eglinton extension planned |
| De-Icing | Faster compared to other airports |
| Navigation | Easy |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Toronto Pearson International Airport is located in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
- It is Canada's largest and busiest airport, handling 44.8 million passengers in 2023
- The airport is named after Lester B. Pearson, Canada's 14th Prime Minister and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate
- It is also commonly referred to as Lester B. Pearson International or Pearson Airport
- The airport code YYZ is broadcast in Morse code by a VHF omnidirectional range system

Toronto Pearson International Airport is located in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Toronto Pearson International Airport is the largest and busiest airport in Canada, handling 44.8 million passengers in 2023. It has five runways and two passenger terminals, along with numerous cargo, maintenance, and aerospace production facilities. The airport covers a site of 1,867 hectares (4,613 acres).
The airport is recognised by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) code YYZ and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) code CYYZ. The YYZ identifier code is broadcast in Morse code by a VHF omnidirectional range system at the airport.
Toronto Pearson International Airport has been described as "very large, clean and modern" by passengers, with spacious areas that help to keep passengers comfortable. The baggage area is reportedly efficient, with bags arriving quickly. However, some passengers have noted long lineups and high parking rates.
The airport is easily accessible by car, with parking available, although it is recommended to check live parking status before arrival due to high travel volumes during certain periods. Passengers can also use public transportation options such as the metro or ridesharing services to get to the airport.
Exploring Palma Mallorca: Multiple Airports, One Destination
You may want to see also
Explore related products

It is Canada's largest and busiest airport, handling 44.8 million passengers in 2023
Toronto Pearson International Airport, also known by its airport code YYZ, is Canada's largest and busiest airport. Handling 44.8 million passengers in 2023, it is located in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, 25 kilometres (16 mi) northwest of Downtown Toronto. The airport is named after Lester B. Pearson, the 14th Prime Minister of Canada and 1957 Nobel Peace Prize laureate for his humanitarian work in peacekeeping.
Toronto Pearson International Airport is a significant hub for aviation in Canada and the surrounding region known as the Golden Horseshoe. The airport covers a vast area of 1,867 hectares (4,613 acres) and features five runways and two passenger terminals. It also has various cargo, maintenance, and aerospace production facilities. The airport is easily accessible from the city, and passengers can use a variety of transportation options to get to and from the airport, including taxis and limousines, and public transportation.
YYZ is well-known for its efficient operations and modern infrastructure. Passengers have praised the airport for its cleanliness, spacious layout, and easy navigation. The baggage claim area has been noted for its efficiency, with travellers commenting on the quick delivery of their luggage. The airport also offers a range of services and facilities to enhance the travel experience, including parking, pickup, and drop-off options.
However, some travellers have criticised the airport for its high parking rates and the amount of walking required to get between gates. There have also been calls for improved public transportation links to downtown Toronto and a more welcoming Canadian Customs arrival hall. Despite these criticisms, Toronto Pearson International Airport remains a popular and preferred choice for many travellers, including those who work in the aviation industry.
Toronto Pearson International Airport has also played an essential role in popular culture. The Canadian band Rush's song "YYZ" was inspired by the airport's identifier code in Morse code, which the band members heard while flying into the airport. In 2023, a Rush-themed specialty bar, Henderson Brewing@YYZ, opened in the airport's Terminal 1, celebrating the band's connection to the airport.
Chattanooga Airport: TSA PreCheck Availability and Benefits
You may want to see also
Explore related products

The airport is named after Lester B. Pearson, Canada's 14th Prime Minister and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate
Toronto Pearson International Airport, also known by the airport code YYZ, is named after Lester B. Pearson, Canada's 14th Prime Minister, and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Pearson International Airport is situated 25 kilometres (16 miles) northwest of Downtown Toronto in the city of Mississauga, with a small portion of the airfield extending into Toronto's western district of Etobicoke. It is Canada's largest and busiest airport, handling 44.8 million passengers in 2023 alone. The airport boasts five runways and two passenger terminals, along with numerous cargo, maintenance, and aerospace production facilities, all spread across a vast 1,867 hectares (4,613 acres).
Lester B. Pearson, the airport's namesake, was a distinguished Canadian politician and diplomat. He served as the 14th Prime Minister of Canada from 1963 to 1968, leading the country through a period of significant social and economic change. Before his tenure as Prime Minister, Pearson played a crucial role in establishing the United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF) in 1956, which aimed to resolve the Suez Canal Crisis. His efforts in promoting peace and diplomacy earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1957.
Pearson's contributions to Canada's domestic and foreign affairs were significant. As Prime Minister, he introduced universal health care, a new national flag, and advanced the welfare state. He is also remembered for his role in establishing Canada's modern system of pensions and establishing the Royal Commission on the Status of Women, demonstrating his commitment to social justice and equality.
Internationally, Pearson's diplomatic skills were instrumental in resolving several global conflicts. In addition to his work during the Suez Canal Crisis, he played a pivotal role in ending the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. His ability to navigate complex international relations and promote peaceful solutions to conflicts solidified his reputation as a leading diplomat and statesman.
By naming their central airport after Lester B. Pearson, Canada honours the legacy of a leader who embodied the values of peace, diplomacy, and social progress. The airport, with its bustling activity and global connections, serves as a fitting tribute to a prime minister who left an indelible mark on Canadian society and the world.
Changi Airport Group: Operations and Innovations
You may want to see also
Explore related products

It is also commonly referred to as Lester B. Pearson International or Pearson Airport
Toronto Pearson International Airport, also referred to as Lester B. Pearson International Airport, is located in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. The airport is situated 25 kilometres (16 miles) northwest of downtown Toronto, with a small portion of the airfield extending into Toronto's western district of Etobicoke. The airport is named after Lester B. Pearson, the 14th Prime Minister of Canada and 1957 Nobel Peace Prize laureate for his humanitarian work in peacekeeping.
Lester B. Pearson International Airport is the largest and busiest airport in Canada, serving as the main airport for Toronto and the surrounding region known as the Golden Horseshoe. In 2023, the airport handled 44.8 million passengers, and it features five runways, two passenger terminals, and numerous cargo, maintenance, and aerospace production facilities across a site spanning 1,867 hectares (4,613 acres).
The airport's code, YYZ, is broadcast as an identifier in Morse code by a VHF omnidirectional range system. This code has been featured in music by the band Rush, whose members have expressed their delight in seeing "Y-Y-Z" on their luggage tags. The airport is also referred to simply as Pearson or Pearson Airport, and its ICAO code is CYYZ.
YYZ airport has been praised for its modern, spacious, and clean facilities, efficient baggage handling, and easy navigation. However, it has also received criticism for issues such as excessive walking distances and high parking rates. Improvements suggested by travellers include a rail link to downtown Toronto and enhancements to the customs arrival area.
Kuala Lumpur Airport: A Sprawling Transport Hub
You may want to see also
Explore related products

The airport code YYZ is broadcast in Morse code by a VHF omnidirectional range system
Toronto Pearson International Airport, also known as Lester B. Pearson International Airport, is identified by the IATA code YYZ. The airport is located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and serves as the country's central airport.
A unique aspect of this airport is that its identifier code, YYZ, is broadcast in Morse code by a VHF omnidirectional range system. This system, known as VOR, provides accurate and reliable signals for aircraft navigation. VOR stations transmit a VHF radio composite signal, which includes a navigation and reference signal, a station's identifier, and optional voice.
The YYZ identifier, when translated into Morse code, becomes a distinct rhythm that has inspired music. The Canadian rock band Rush, who hail from near Toronto Pearson International Airport, were introduced to this rhythm and featured it in their 1981 instrumental composition, also titled "YYZ."
The use of VHF omnidirectional range systems, like the one at Toronto Pearson International Airport, is standard practice for airport identifiers. These systems offer improved accuracy and reliability compared to NDB approaches, providing a bearing from the station to the aircraft that remains consistent regardless of wind or aircraft orientation.
While newer technologies, such as RNAV (GNSS) approach procedures, are being adopted by some airports, the YYZ code remains a unique and memorable aspect of Toronto Pearson International Airport, even inspiring a song by a well-known Canadian rock band.
Sydney Airport: Stay Connected with Reliable Wifi Access
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Toronto Pearson International Airport, also known as Lester B. Pearson International Airport.
The airport is located in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, 25 kilometres (16 miles) northwest of Downtown Toronto.
IATA: YYZ, ICAO: CYYZ.
The airport covers 1,867 hectares (4,613 acres) and has five runways and two passenger terminals.
YYZ has numerous cargo, maintenance, and aerospace production facilities. It also offers pickup, drop-off, and parking options.











































