Pearson Airport could set new summer travel record

By Kevin Misener

Nearly 10 million people will pass through the gates of Pearson International Airport this summer, setting a new record for summer travel.

Pearson has been handling an average of 120,000 fliers a day this summer. That is an increase of about 10,000 travellers a day compared to this time last year.

Shabeen Hanifa with the Greater Toronto Airports Authority said that continues an upward trend.

“We’ve seen in the past three to four years about a six-per-cent increase each year,” she explained,

The next four Fridays will be the busiest travel days at Pearson, with between 147,000 and 148,000 passengers each day.

Hanifa said an improved economy, combined with high summer demand, is behind the increase.

“We have three real peaks throughout the year – Christmas, March Break and then summer which is a bit more prolonged because kids are out of school,” she explained. “There’s peaks within each day – during the early morning, as well as around the dinner hour.”

Hanifa said social media is the friend of the modern traveller, especially during high peak times.

“Follow us on Twitter at Toronto Pearson because we provide travel updates through our twitter feed,” she said.

To reduce long line-ups, travellers are advised to check in online, have documents ready for security and for those using Terminal 3 there is now a self-serve baggage drop.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today