Jazmin Li
Canada has been reopening its airports to international travel in a phased manner since 2021. The Canadian government's decision to ease border measures was influenced by increased vaccination levels, scientific evidence, and the improving epidemiological situation. As of May 2022, dozens of Canadian airports have resumed operations, welcoming international flights for the first time in nearly two years. The reopening of airports is a gradual process, with some smaller airports resuming operations on May 2, and others following suit on May 15, 2022. This development is part of the Canadian government's plan to restart travel and ease travel restrictions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of reopening | 28 February 2022 |
| Airports reopened | Toronto Pearson International Airport, Montréal—Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, Calgary International Airport, Vancouver International Airport, Halifax Stanfield International Airport, Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport, Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport, Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport, Edmonton International Airport |
| Requirements for passengers | Wear face masks, provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test, be fully vaccinated |
| Requirements for crew | All foreign crew members must be vaccinated to enter Canada |
| Hours of service | Varies by airport |
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What You'll Learn
Ontario airports reopen to international travel
On February 28, 2022, Canada reopened its airports to international passenger flights. However, until that date, international passenger flights could only arrive at 18 airports across the country.
On May 2, 2022, several Ontario airports reopened to international travel, including:
- Brantford Airport
- Collingwood Regional Airport
- Cornwall Regional Airport
- Fort Frances Airport
- Lakehead Aviation (Seaplanes)
- Niagara District Airport
- Pelee Island Airport
- Rainy Lake Sports – CanOp Dock
- Sudbury Airport
- St. Thomas Municipal Airport
- Toronto/Buttonville Municipal Airport
On May 15, 2022, border clearance services resumed at five additional small airports in Ontario:
- Gananoque River P.U.C. Day Dock
- Gore Bay Airport
- Kenora Airport
- Kenora City Dock
- Manitoulin East Municipal Airport
Travellers coming into Canada must still meet specific entry requirements, including being eligible to enter the country and meeting all entry requirements. Additionally, travellers should complete their ArriveCAN submission, including their vaccine information, within 72 hours of reaching the border. Pre-entry tests are no longer required for fully vaccinated travellers, but all travellers aged 12 and older must be vaccinated to enter Canada.
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COVID-19 testing requirements for passengers
As of October 2022, a COVID-19 test is no longer required to enter Canada by air. This applies to all travellers, regardless of their vaccination status. However, if you show symptoms of COVID-19, a border officer may ask you to take a test. If you test positive, you may be required to quarantine or follow specific health guidelines. It is recommended that travellers entering Canada be fully vaccinated for their safety and the safety of others.
Prior to October 2022, travellers entering Canada were required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination and, in some cases, a negative COVID-19 test. As of January 7, 2021, the Government of Canada required all travellers aged five years or older to provide proof of a negative laboratory test result for COVID-19 prior to boarding a flight to Canada. This requirement was extended to all travellers aged 12 and older as of January 15, 2022. The test could be either a molecular polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test or a Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) test and had to be conducted within 72 hours of the traveller's scheduled departure to Canada. Travellers were responsible for arranging and covering the costs of their tests.
In February 2022, testing rules were eased for vaccinated passengers. Travellers were given the option of using a rapid antigen test (taken the day before their flight) instead of a PCR test (taken no more than 72 hours before their flight).
As travel rules can change quickly, it is important to stay informed. Before your trip, visit the official website of the Government of Canada for the latest travel advisories and entry requirements.
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Vaccination requirements for passengers and crew
On June 14, 2022, the Canadian government announced the suspension of certain vaccination requirements, effective June 20, 2022. This suspension applies to domestic and outbound travel by plane or train. However, it is important to note that vaccination requirements for passengers and crew of cruise ships remain in place.
Previously, all foreign crew members entering Canada were required to be vaccinated, while Canadian citizens and residents serving as crew were exempt from this mandate. This rule also applied to passengers aged 12 and above. Now, with the suspension of certain vaccination requirements, employers in federally regulated air, rail, and marine transportation sectors are no longer mandated to enforce mandatory vaccination policies for their employees.
Passengers entering Canada, regardless of their vaccination status, must complete their ArriveCAN submission within 72 hours of arriving in the country. Failure to do so may result in Day 1 and Day 8 molecular testing, a 14-day quarantine, and potential fines or other enforcement actions. Additionally, passengers entering Canada must still meet all entry requirements and have valid passports.
For passengers and crew members on Canadian vessels and foreign passenger vessels operating in Canadian waters, measures are in place to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Authorized representatives are responsible for implementing vaccination policies for crew members and non-passengers, ensuring compliance with local public health guidelines, and maintaining records of individuals' vaccination status or COVID-19 test results.
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Border services at select airports
On February 28, 2022, Canada reopened its airports to international passenger flights. Before this date, international passenger flights could only arrive at 18 airports across the country. Travellers entering Canada must still meet eligibility and entry requirements, including providing proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test.
On May 2, 2022, service resumed at several small airports, with a handful more resuming operations on May 15. Ontario border clearance services resumed at several airports on May 15, 2022, including Fort Frances Airport, Lakehead Aviation, Niagara District Airport, and Sudbury Airport, among others.
In August 2021, five Canadian airports resumed accepting international flights: Halifax Stanfield International Airport, Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport, Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport, Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport, and Edmonton International Airport. These airports joined four others that had continued to accept international flights throughout the pandemic: Toronto Pearson International Airport, Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, Calgary International Airport, and Vancouver International Airport.
Canada's decision to ease border measures was based on data, scientific evidence, and increasing vaccination rates. All foreign crew members entering Canada must be vaccinated, a rule that has been in place since January 15, 2022.
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Toronto's Pearson airport runway reopens after crash
Toronto's Pearson Airport has returned to normal operations after a runway crash. The airport's main runway, runway 23, was shut down following a Delta plane crash last week. The aircraft, carrying 80 passengers, crashed into the runway, forcing the suspension of flights and causing delays for several days. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has deployed an investigative team to assess the incident.
A spokesperson for the airport confirmed that the runway has now reopened, although some cleanup operations are still ongoing on runway 15. The airport shared that, as of 9 a.m., 1% of departing flights and 2% of arrivals had been cancelled by airlines, which is within the normal range.
The incident at Toronto Pearson Airport is one of several transportation disruptions that have occurred recently. A stretch of westbound Highway 401 in Scarborough, Ontario, was also closed following a fiery crash involving a tractor-trailer. Additionally, there have been flight disruptions at Heathrow Airport in London, and Vancouver Airport due to runway closures.
On a larger scale, Indian airlines Air India, Air India Express, and IndiGo, have resumed flights to the West Asian region and beyond. This resumption follows the previous suspension of flights due to the Israel-Iran conflict, which has shown signs of de-escalation.
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Frequently asked questions
Canada reopened its airports for international travel on 28 February 2022.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, international flights could only arrive at 18 Canadian airports. Smaller airports were also affected by temporary COVID-19 measures.
Passengers must wear face masks and provide a negative COVID-19 test result before boarding. Travellers must also be fully vaccinated.
Some of the airports that reopened for international travel include Toronto Pearson International Airport, Montréal-Trudeau International Airport, and Calgary International Airport.
The hours of service vary for each airport. For example, the Fort Frances Airport is open from 7 am to 11 pm, 7 days a week, while the Sudbury Airport is open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday.
