Passenger activity is way up at Toronto Pearson.
It’s not a surprise to anyone who watches the news, but Greater Toronto Area Airport officials today said Passenger activity increased by 8.3 million or 780.4 per cent during the second quarter of 2022. For the first half of the year, passenger activity was up by 12.5 million or 584.1 per cent, when compared to the same periods of 2021.
Passenger activity increased given the easing of pandemic-related travel restrictions and pent-up travel demand compared to the same period of 2021. Nevertheless, all measures of operating activity continue to be well below 2019 levels due to the impact of the pandemic on the GTAA and the global aviation industry in general.
The second quarter of 2022 saw the continued easing of the pandemic and associated travel restrictions, and the resultant increase in travel volume. However, ongoing staffing challenges, health measures (vaccination mandates, airport testing, which were in place until mid-June 2022) and other changes to procedures had broad impacts on the whole aviation sector, including: the airlines and their service providers in the provision of timely departures and baggage return; the government agencies providing border security and customs services; and NavCanada, the country’s air navigation operator. Airports, the Government of Canada and the airline industry have been working to address these various transitory challenges collectively.
“Our second quarter results reflect a growing desire on the part of the public to travel by air and connect with the people and places they love after a very long two years,” said Deborah Flint, President and CEO, GTAA. “Wait times continue to improve, but we’re not where we need to be yet. It is imperative that industry and government continue to collaborate to solve the acute issues the aviation system is facing.
“We must also seize the opportunity in these challenges to make changes that will benefit our valued passengers in the longer term by continuing to digitize our border and the country’s airports for a smoother and more predictable travel experience,” Flint said.
According to stats from FlightAware.com, 229 outgoing flights at Toronto Pearson (38%) were delayed on Monday, while 220 incoming flights (36%) were delayed. Only 13 outgoing flights (2%) were cancelled, while 22 (3%) of incoming flights were cancelled.
WestJet today said that, as per flight statistics provided by Cirium, from August 1 to 7, the Calgary-based airline improved upon its completion factor from the week prior, completing 98.6% of all scheduled flights throughout the week, maintaining its lead amongst major Canadian air carriers. Additionally, 87.7% of all scheduled and operated flights arrived within 45 minutes of their scheduled arrival time.
