Roberta Aguirre
Toronto Pearson International Airport (IATA: YYZ, ICAO: CYYZ) is the main international airport serving Toronto, Canada. It is the largest and busiest airport in the country, handling 46.8 million passengers in 2024 and over 50 million in 2019. The airport is located 15-17 miles (25-28km) northwest of downtown Toronto in Mississauga, Ontario, and is named after Lester B. Pearson, the 14th Prime Minister of Canada and 1957 Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Toronto Pearson is the primary global hub for Air Canada and serves as a hub for several other airlines, with more than 50 airlines offering non-stop or direct flights to over 160 destinations worldwide.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Toronto Pearson International Airport |
| Airport Code | YYZ |
| Location | The airport is located 22.5 kilometers (14 miles) northwest of Downtown Toronto |
| Number of Runways | 4 |
| Area | 18.6 square kilometers (7.2 square miles) |
| Elevation | 173 meters (568 feet) above sea level |
| Busy Airport | Ranked as the busiest airport in Canada and 31st busiest in the world in 2022 in terms of passenger traffic |
| Passenger Traffic | Served 20.4 million passengers in 2022 |
| Flight Traffic | Handled 317,150 aircraft movements in 2022 |
| Destinations | Offers non-stop flights to over 150 global destinations |
| Terminals | 2 passenger terminals (Terminal 1 and Terminal 3) |
| Facilities | Various shops, restaurants, lounges, and other amenities |
| Ground Transportation | Accessible via car, taxi, ride-sharing apps, public buses, and a dedicated airport express train (UP Express) |
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What You'll Learn
Location and accessibility
Toronto Pearson International Airport, also known as Lester B. Pearson International Airport, is Toronto's main airport. It is located in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, 15-17 miles (25-28km) northwest of downtown Toronto, with a small portion of the airfield extending into Toronto's western district of Etobicoke. The airport is accessible from multiple directions, but it is important to note that traffic in Toronto can be heavy, especially during rush hour, so it is advisable to allow extra time when travelling to the airport by car.
Toronto Pearson International Airport is the largest and busiest airport in Canada, handling 46.8 million passengers in 2024 and more than 50 million passengers in 2019. The airport has five runways and two passenger terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, with Terminal 2 having been demolished in 2008. Terminal 1 is one of the largest in the world and mainly serves Air Canada and other Star Alliance airlines, while Terminal 3 handles flights from SkyTeam and Oneworld airline members. The airport also has three cargo facilities and seven aircraft maintenance hangars.
The airport is served by an extensive network of non-stop domestic flights operated by several airlines to all major and many secondary cities across all provinces and territories of Canada. More than 50 airlines operate non-stop or direct flights to over 160 destinations worldwide, across all six inhabited continents. Toronto Pearson is the primary global hub for Air Canada and also serves as a hub for Porter Airlines and WestJet, as well as a focus city for several other airlines.
Toronto Pearson Airport offers various transit options for travelling to and from the city centre. It is equipped with all the necessary services and amenities expected from a major international aviation hub. The airport is operated by the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) and employs a large number of workers, including those providing fire and rescue operations and airfield maintenance and repairs. Security screening procedures are carried out by the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA), while law enforcement is provided by the Peel Regional Police and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
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Airlines and destinations
Toronto Pearson International Airport is the main international airport in Toronto, Canada. It is Canada's largest and busiest airport, handling 46.8 million passengers in 2024. The airport is located in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, and is named after Lester B. Pearson, the 14th Prime Minister of Canada and 1957 Nobel Peace Prize laureate. It is situated 25 kilometres (16 mi) northwest of downtown Toronto and has five runways and two passenger terminals. Toronto Pearson is the primary global hub for Air Canada and also serves as a hub for Porter Airlines, WestJet, and Flair Airlines. More than 50 airlines operate non-stop or direct flights from Toronto Pearson to over 160 destinations across all six inhabited continents.
Toronto Pearson International Airport offers a range of dining and shopping options for passengers. There are various food options, including budget-friendly spots, family dining, meals by top chefs, and healthy choices. Passengers can also enjoy duty-free shopping, with items such as electronics, books, health and beauty products, fashion, and travel accessories available. The airport also has multiple lounges, including the Plaza Premium lounge, which can be booked regardless of airline or ticket class.
In terms of ground handling, Toronto Pearson has a large network of taxiways measuring over 40 kilometres in length, providing access between the runways and passenger terminals, cargo areas, and airline hangar areas. Aviation fuel is supplied by Esso Avitat and Shell Aerocentre, located within the infield operations area. The airport also has a dedicated train service, the Union Pearson Express (UP Express), which connects the airport to Union Station in Downtown Toronto, with intermediate stops at Weston and Bloor GO Train stations.
Toronto Pearson International Airport is well-equipped to handle maintenance and emergency situations. The airfield maintenance unit is responsible for general maintenance and repairs, and during the winter months, a dedicated 24-hour snow removal team ensures normal operations, as the airport typically experiences significant snow accumulation. Toronto Pearson Fire and Emergency Services maintain three stations with over 80 firefighters and various equipment for fire and rescue operations. The airport also has seven aircraft maintenance hangars operated by Air Canada, Air Transat, WestJet, and the GTAA for line maintenance and routine aircraft inspections.
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Terminals and facilities
Toronto Pearson International Airport (IATA: YYZ, ICAO: CYYZ) is the main international airport serving Toronto, Canada. It is the largest and busiest airport in the country, handling 46.8 million passengers in 2024 and more than 50 million passengers in 2019. The airport is located in Mississauga, Ontario, approximately 16 to 17 miles (25-28 km) northwest of downtown Toronto, with a small portion of the airfield extending into Toronto's western district of Etobicoke.
Toronto Pearson International Airport has two passenger terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Terminal 2 was demolished in 2008, and Terminal 1 was expanded to replace it. Terminal 1 is one of the largest terminals in the world and mainly serves Air Canada and other Star Alliance airlines. Terminal 3 handles flights from SkyTeam and Oneworld member airlines, and the Infield Concourse (IFC) is linked to Terminal 3. The airport also has a 24-hour train, the Terminal Link, which shuttles passengers between the terminals, the parking lot, and Toronto airport hotels.
Toronto Pearson Airport offers a range of services and amenities, including dining and duty-free shopping, with promotions and incentives for passengers. It is the primary global hub for Air Canada and also serves as a hub for Porter Airlines and WestJet, a focus city for Air Transat, and a base for Flair Airlines. The airport has facilities for United States border preclearance, with operations conducted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
The airport has three main cargo facilities: Cargo West (Infield), Cargo East (VISTA), and Cargo North (FedEx). It also houses seven aircraft maintenance hangars, operated by Air Canada, Air Transat, WestJet, and the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA). Toronto Pearson Fire and Emergency Services maintain three stations at the airport, equipped with crash tenders, pumpers, aerial ladders, and heavy rescue units, and they operate in conjunction with the Fire and Emergency Services Training Institute (FESTI).
Toronto Pearson is home to the Toronto Area Control Centre, one of seven area control centres in Canada operated by Nav Canada. The airport uses a Traffic Management Unit (TMU) to control the movement of aircraft and other airport traffic, located in the apron control tower at Terminal 1. During the winter months, a dedicated 24-hour snow removal team of over 200 workers ensures normal operations, given the typically high snow accumulation.
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Security and safety
Toronto Pearson International Airport, located in Mississauga, Ontario, is Canada's largest and busiest airport, serving 46.8 million passengers in 2024. With such a large volume of passengers, baggage, and cargo moving through the airport, safety and security are of utmost importance.
The airport's security measures are overseen by the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA), which is responsible for screening procedures. CATSA's rules govern the security process, which includes checking all carry-on bags, personal items, and individuals. Passengers are advised to familiarise themselves with the list of restricted items and prepare for enhanced screening of electronic devices.
Toronto Pearson Fire and Emergency Services provide fire and rescue operations with stations located to the north, south, and offsite to the east of the airport. They work in conjunction with the Fire and Emergency Services Training Institute (FESTI) and are equipped with crash tenders, pumpers, aerial ladders, and heavy rescue units.
The Peel Regional Police and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are responsible for law enforcement at the airport. Additionally, the airport maintains facilities for United States border preclearance, with the presence of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Toronto Pearson International Airport also prioritises safety through initiatives such as the Toronto Pearson Safety Program, which includes an active assailant awareness programme and human trafficking awareness training. The airport provides resources like the "Eye on Safety" newsletter, which offers tips on identifying and addressing common safety concerns. Furthermore, the airport has implemented a Traffic Management Unit (TMU) to control aircraft and ground traffic movement, and during winter, a dedicated 24-hour snow removal team ensures normal operations despite significant snow accumulation.
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History and development
Toronto Pearson International Airport, also known as Lester B. Pearson International Airport, is the main international airport serving Toronto, Canada. It is located in Mississauga, Ontario, approximately 16 to 17 miles (25-28 km) 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, who was a Nobel Peace Prize laureate in 1957 for his humanitarian work in peacekeeping.
Toronto Pearson International Airport has a rich history and has undergone significant development over the years. Here is a timeline of its key moments:
Early History and Development (1937-1983):
- 1937: The Government of Canada agreed to support the construction of two airports in the Toronto area.
- 1972: The government expropriated land for the proposed development of Pickering Airport, northeast of Toronto. However, due to local opposition, this project did not advance beyond the planning stage for decades.
Opening and Expansion (1984-2007):
- 1984: The airport was officially named Lester B. Pearson International Airport, honouring the former Prime Minister.
- Over the years, the airport grew to become one of the largest and busiest airports in Canada, serving as a hub for major airlines such as Air Canada, WestJet, and Porter Airlines.
Recent Years (2008-Present):
- 2008: Terminal 2 was demolished, leaving the airport with two passenger terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 3.
- 2013: The federal government announced the revival of the Pickering Airport project, but it was ultimately cancelled in 2025.
- 2019: Toronto Pearson Airport welcomed over 50 million passengers, making it the largest and busiest airport in Canada.
- 2024: The airport handled 46.8 million passengers, showcasing its continued significance in Canadian aviation despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Today, Toronto Pearson International Airport continues to be a vital transportation hub, offering flights to numerous domestic and international destinations and contributing significantly to the economic and cultural life of Toronto and the surrounding region.
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Frequently asked questions
The main international airport in Toronto, Canada, is the Toronto Pearson International Airport (IATA: YYZ, ICAO: CYYZ).
The airport is located in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, about 15-17 miles (25-28 km) from downtown Toronto.
The airport has two passenger terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Terminal 2 was demolished in 2008.
The airport has five runways.
The airport is named after Lester B. Pearson, the 14th Prime Minister of Canada, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1957 for his humanitarian work in peacekeeping.
