| Toronto Pearson Airport passenger traffic nearly doubled in the first quarter of this year.
The Greater Toronto Airports Authority Passenger activity significantly increased by 4.8 million or 90.4 per cent to 10.0 million during the first quarter of 2023, when compared to the same period of 2022. Passenger activity increased due to the pent-up travel demand and the removal of pandemic-related government travel restrictions that existed during the first quarter of 2022. During the first quarter of 2023, passenger activity recovered to 86.0 per cent of the first quarter of 2019 passenger activity.
“Strong growth in passenger traffic continuing into first quarter of 2023 reflects the strength of demand for Toronto Pearson,” said Deborah Flint, President and CEO, GTAA. “As Canada’s largest airport, bringing stability to the operating environment has been our focus with a call-to-action to our team and service partners that can meet the needs of passengers. We have dedicated significant resources to ensure a prepared and resilient start to the summer travel season and ensuring that Toronto Pearson remains a top choice for travelers worldwide.”
After a rough summer of 2022, YYZ officials put out a statement on Monday, promising a much better passenger experience this summer.
 A new early baggage carousel area at Terminal One at Toronto Pearson Airport. JIM BYERS PHOTO I flew into Pearson today, actually, and spotted someone giving a tour to what appeared to be new customs officers, or security officials. The tour leader was explaining how the Nexus pass works as she showed a dozen or so officers around the customs hall.
I also have to say that my experience at Pearson today was the best I’ve had in years. We arrived on an Air Canada flight from Denver around 12:55, 35 minutes early. Our gate was ready, and we had a gate maybe 100 yards from Canada customs.
The customs hall was empty and we got through the Nexus lineup in 10-15 seconds. When we got to baggage claim our bags were already there. It was around 1:15 p.m. at that point, which means our bags arrived at the carousel in less than 20 minutes.
It WAS the middle of the day, and the baggage was nearly empty. Still, it was a delight, and we were at home some 45 minutes after landing at Pearson.
“The aviation industry must continue to modernize and invest in the leading services and amenities travelers want,” continued Flint. “We are elevating the level of collaboration with our partners to increase sharing information, communicating effectively to the public during irregular operations, and meeting service-level commitments. We are seeing the results of reinvesting in our people, digital tools, and facilities.” |
