Toronto Pearson Launches $3B Revitalization Phase 1

Toronto Pearson International Airport launched the first phase of a multibillion-dollar revitalization project on Monday, marking a $3 billion investment aimed at expanding capacity to handle 65 million passengers annually by the early 2030s.

The Longterm Investment in Facilities and Terminals, or LIFT, initiative begins with airfield enhancements, including repaved runways, new aircraft stands, a high-speed taxiway, advanced lighting control systems, additional electric vehicle charging stations and lower-emission heating upgrades. Officials also plan to rebuild the airport's 30-kilometre baggage system, featuring new carousels in Terminal 1, improved cameras and early-issue detection technology to reduce jams and downtime. These changes are designed to accommodate an extra 28,000 passengers per day and support more reliable on-time performance.

Greater Toronto Airports Authority CEO Deborah Flint described the upgrades as essential for global trade and passenger experience. "The demand is there today," she said. "Airports are so important to the country and its strategy of being more connected to new trade partnerships." The project includes $142 million in federal...