Jazmin Li
Canada has 518 airports, and air transportation is essential given the country's geographic size and dispersed population. Toronto Pearson Airport is the largest and busiest airport in Canada, located in Mississauga, about 20km west of Toronto in the province of Ontario. It is followed by Vancouver International Airport, which has the advantage of being located on the west coast of Canada, serving as a hub for flights to Asia and Oceania. Other notable airports in Canada include Calgary International Airport, Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport, and Edmonton International Airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Airport |
| Location | Mississauga, Ontario |
| Distance from Toronto | 20 km |
| Number of Terminals | 2 (Terminal 1 and Terminal 3) |
| Number of Runways | 5 |
| Passenger Capacity | 47 million per year |
| Airlines | 46 |
| Destinations | 147 |
| Cargo Operations | Yes |
| Connection to Public Transportation | Yes (Union Pearson Express, cabs, buses, and rental cars) |
| Busiest Airport | Toronto-Pearson and Vancouver International Airport |
| Cleanest Airport | Vancouver International Airport |
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What You'll Learn
- Toronto Pearson International Airport is Canada's largest and busiest airport
- It is located in Mississauga, Ontario, about 20km from downtown Toronto
- The airport has five runways and two terminals, with numerous cargo and maintenance facilities
- Toronto Pearson is the main hub for Air Canada and serves over 46 million passengers annually
- Various government agencies, including the RCMP and CATSA, handle security and law enforcement at the airport
Toronto Pearson International Airport is Canada's largest and busiest airport
Toronto Pearson International Airport, also known as Lester B. Pearson International Airport, is Canada's largest and busiest airport. It is located in Mississauga, about 20 kilometres west of Toronto in the province of Ontario. The airport is named after Lester B. Pearson, a former Prime Minister of Canada and the recipient of the 1957 Nobel Peace Prize.
Toronto Pearson Airport serves as a major hub for Canadian airlines such as Air Canada and WestJet, offering flights to numerous domestic and international destinations. With 46 airlines operating at the airport, it serves 147 destinations worldwide. Toronto Pearson's location within the most populous metropolitan region of Canada contributes to its high volume of passenger traffic and aircraft movements, solidifying its position as the country's busiest airport.
The airport has five runways and two active terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, with a total passenger capacity of around 47 million per year. However, the actual number of passengers has frequently exceeded this capacity, leading to capacity bottlenecks. Toronto Pearson is well-connected to the city of Toronto, with the Union Pearson Express (UP Express) providing a direct rail link to downtown. Additionally, cabs, buses, and rental cars are easily accessible at the airport.
In terms of cargo operations, Toronto Pearson International Airport handles a significant volume. In 2021, the airport accounted for around 416,966 metric tons of cargo, contributing to the total amount of cargo moved by air in Canada that year, which was 3.24 billion ton-kilometers. Toronto Pearson's cargo operations further solidify its importance as Canada's largest and busiest airport.
While Toronto Pearson International Airport holds the top spot, other notable busy airports in Canada include Vancouver International Airport, Montréal-Trudeau International Airport, and Calgary International Airport. These airports have also experienced substantial passenger growth and play crucial roles in connecting Canada to the rest of the world.
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It is located in Mississauga, Ontario, about 20km from downtown Toronto
Toronto Pearson Airport, also known as Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Airport, is Canada's largest and busiest airport. It is located in Mississauga, Ontario, about 20km west of downtown Toronto. The airport is easily accessible from the city centre by train, with the Union Pearson Express connecting it directly to downtown Toronto. Cabs, buses and rental cars are also readily available.
Toronto Pearson Airport serves as a hub for major Canadian airlines such as Air Canada and WestJet, offering domestic and international flights to over 200 destinations. It is also a significant cargo hub, handling around 416,966 metric tons of cargo in 2021. The airport has two active terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, with a total passenger capacity of around 47 million per year. However, the actual number of passengers has often exceeded this, leading to capacity issues.
The airport's location in the most populous metropolitan region of Canada contributes to its high volume of passenger traffic and aircraft movements. It is strategically positioned to serve as a gateway to Toronto, one of the closest major North American cities to Europe. This advantageous location has resulted in substantial passenger growth, with Toronto Pearson Airport consistently ranking as one of the two busiest airports in Canada, alongside Vancouver International Airport.
Being Canada's flag carrier, Air Canada has its headquarters in Montreal and is the country's largest airline. WestJet, the second-largest airline in Canada, has expanded its services to include international routes, while Air Transat specialises in leisure travel, offering flights to various vacation regions. Toronto Pearson Airport's extensive infrastructure and connectivity underscore its significance as Canada's main airport.
In addition to Toronto Pearson Airport, there are several other notable airports in Canada, such as Calgary International Airport, which is the busiest in Alberta and the fourth busiest in the country. Montreal Saint-Hubert Airport is also one of the busiest airports in terms of aircraft operations, renowned for providing aero-technical training. Edmonton International Airport, located in Leduc County, is the largest passenger and cargo airport facility in Canada, serving the major province of Alberta.
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The airport has five runways and two terminals, with numerous cargo and maintenance facilities
Toronto Pearson Airport is the largest and busiest airport in Canada. It is located in Mississauga, about 20 km west of Toronto in the province of Ontario. The airport has five runways and two terminals, with numerous cargo and maintenance facilities.
The two terminals at Toronto Pearson Airport are Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Terminal 1, which opened in 2004, is specifically designed to serve Star Alliance airlines. Terminal 3, on the other hand, was opened in 1991 and serves a variety of other airlines. Together, these terminals have a passenger capacity of around 47 million per year, although this number has often been exceeded, leading to capacity bottlenecks.
Toronto Pearson Airport serves as a hub for major Canadian airlines such as Air Canada and WestJet. It connects Canada with numerous destinations worldwide. In addition to passenger flights, the airport also handles extensive cargo operations. The airport is well-connected to public transportation, with the Union Pearson Express (UP Express) providing a direct link to downtown Toronto. Cabs, buses, and rental cars are also easily accessible.
As Canada's flag carrier, Air Canada is headquartered in Montreal and is the country's largest airline. It offers domestic and international flights to over 200 destinations. WestJet, the country's second-largest airline, has expanded its services to include international routes. Toronto Pearson Airport alone accounts for a significant portion of Canada's air cargo, with around 416,966 metric tons of cargo moved through the airport in 2021.
Other notable airports in Canada include Vancouver International Airport, which is known for being the cleanest airport in the country, and Calgary International Airport, which is the busiest airport in Alberta and the fourth busiest in all of Canada. Edmonton International Airport, located in Leduc County, is also a significant cargo facility, serving as the main commercial airport for the province of Alberta.
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Toronto Pearson is the main hub for Air Canada and serves over 46 million passengers annually
Toronto Pearson International Airport is Canada's largest and busiest airport. Handling 46.8 million passengers in 2024, it is the primary hub for Air Canada, the country's largest airline. The airport is located in Mississauga, Ontario, about 25 kilometres northwest of downtown Toronto. It is named after Lester B. Pearson, the 14th Prime Minister of Canada and 1957 Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
Toronto Pearson has five runways and two passenger terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, which together have a capacity of around 47 million passengers per year. Terminal 1, which opened in 2004, is the larger facility, serving up to 30 million passengers annually, while Terminal 3, opened in 1991, can accommodate 17 million. The airport also has extensive cargo operations, with two dedicated cargo facilities, Cargo East and Cargo North, occupying a large area north of Terminal 3.
Toronto Pearson serves as a hub for several major Canadian airlines, including Air Canada and WestJet, offering flights to numerous destinations worldwide. In 2021, the airport handled around 416,966 metric tons of cargo. It provides easy access to downtown Toronto via the Union Pearson Express train service, which connects the airport to Union Station in just 25 minutes.
The airport offers a range of amenities for passengers, including lounges, cafes, and restaurants. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and charging stations for electric wheelchairs and mobility devices can be found in both terminals. A variety of ground transportation options are available, including designated taxi stands, ridesharing services, and an eight-level parking garage with 8,400 public parking spaces.
With its high passenger traffic, extensive flight connections, and cargo operations, Toronto Pearson International Airport plays a crucial role in facilitating travel and commerce in Canada.
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Various government agencies, including the RCMP and CATSA, handle security and law enforcement at the airport
Toronto Pearson Airport, located in Mississauga, Ontario, is the largest and busiest airport in Canada. It serves as a hub for major Canadian airlines such as Air Canada and WestJet, offering connections to numerous domestic and international destinations. With two active terminals, the airport has a passenger capacity of around 47 million annually, although it often exceeds this number.
Various government agencies, including the RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) and CATSA (Canadian Air Transport Security Authority), handle security and law enforcement at the airport:
RCMP:
The RCMP is responsible for law enforcement and security at Toronto Pearson Airport and other airports across Canada. They have a presence at pre-board screening checkpoints and are equipped with proper photo identification and badges. The RCMP works closely with other agencies to ensure the safety and security of passengers, staff, and visitors. As part of the Airport Development Project, the RCMP was provided with renovated office spaces, equipment storage, interview rooms, and even headquarters for their canine search team.
CATSA:
CATSA is the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority, responsible for security screening at Toronto Pearson Airport and other Canadian airports. They implement a multi-layered approach to security, including walk-through metal detectors, full-body scanners, X-ray screening of carry-on items, and random diversions to regular screening lines. CATSA also recognizes NEXUS members as verified travellers, offering a seamless security experience. They are committed to ensuring a barrier-free security screening process for individuals with disabilities.
Both the RCMP and CATSA work together to maintain the safety and security of Canada's main airport, Toronto Pearson Airport, alongside other airports across the nation. Their efforts are crucial in ensuring a safe and efficient travel experience for all passengers, staff, and visitors.
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Frequently asked questions
Toronto Pearson International Airport is Canada's largest and busiest airport, handling 46.8 million passengers in 2024.
The airport is located in Mississauga, Ontario, about 25 kilometres northwest of downtown Toronto.
Toronto Pearson is the primary global hub for Air Canada and also serves as a hub for Porter Airlines, WestJet, and Flair Airlines.
