Toronto, being Canada's largest city, provides a strong local customer base for Pearson Airport. In 2019, over 50 million passengers used the airport. Currently, Pearson covers more than 4,600 acres, serves 155 destinations via over 50 airlines, and has five runways exceeding 2,744 meters in length. The airport supports about 50,000 jobs locally and handles nearly 400,000 tons of air cargo annually through its 1.2 million square feet of warehouse space. The airfield contributes approximately $42 billion to Ontario's GDP and accounts for 6.3% of the province’s total GDP. More than twelve cargo carriers use the airport regularly, with China Airlines Cargo joining in 2025.
Pearson also serves as Canada’s leading international hub. New international services in 2025 include Royal Air Maroc and Etihad's Airbus A380s to Abu Dhabi. The new Etihad route has resulted in Pearson handling 60% of Canada’s total air travel capacity to the United Arab Emirates.
The Airports Council International World Committee recognized Pearson as the 'Best Airport with over 40 Million Passengers in North America' based on its 2023 performance. The airport is currently renovating Terminals 1 and 3 to improve passenger amenities and key facilities.
The Pearson LIFT program is underway to upgrade various airport facilities. The initiative includes new snow-clearing equipment, expansion of Terminals 1 and 3, and plans for a potential new terminal. Improvements will include enhanced retail options, dining, amenities, and expanded parking and ground transportation access. The Pearson Accelerator Construction Team (PACT), consisting of Kenaidan Contracting, Alberici Constructors, Amico Major Project, and Obayashi Canada, leads the project.
Air Canada operates a significant share of traffic at Pearson, including regional flights by Jazz Aviation under Air Canada Express. The airline has about a 50% market share at the airport and continues to recover post-pandemic with annual growth rates of 3-5%. Its fleet consists largely of Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft for narrowbody operations and Boeing 787 Dreamliners for long-haul flights.
Deborah Flint, President and CEO of Toronto Pearson, commented: “We are thrilled for Air Canada to further grow its network at Toronto Pearson, which strengthens Canada’s connection to economies throughout the world. As Air Canada’s launch partner for the 787-10 – a next generation aircraft – this reflects our role in the market and the importance of our plans to build the airport of the future through Pearson LIFT, our infrastructure program. Through LIFT we will elevate the passenger experience, strengthen global connectivity and local economic expansion; all made possible with our airline partners."
The strategic location of Toronto makes it an effective base for Air Canada's hub-and-spoke model, supporting both domestic and international connectivity. While Air Canada previously held up to a 75% share of domestic traffic after merging with Canada Airlines, its current share is under 50% as other Canadian carriers have expanded.
David Rheault, Vice President at Air Canada, stated in 2024 that Canada has three of the world’s fifty most globally connected hubs—an achievement matched only by the US and China.
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), over 600,000 jobs and nearly $50 billion in revenue are directly tied to Canada's aviation sector, which also represents about 6.3% of the country's GDP. IATA forecasts growth of up to 50% over the next twenty years.
Looking ahead, Air Canada will add new destinations in Mexico and South America for winter 2025 and will introduce nonstop summer flights to Shanghai, Budapest, and Prague. Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President, Chief Commercial Officer, and President of Cargo at Air Canada, said:
“Air Canada continues to reinforce its significant network at Toronto Pearson and our bold, global growth trajectory will further cement its position as a leading international hub on the continent. Following on our exciting new South America services launching this winter from Toronto to Rio de Janeiro, Lima, Cartagena, plus new vacation destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean, Air Canada will launch two celebrated international routes next summer with the return of non-stop flights from Canada’s largest metropolitan area to Shanghai and to Budapest.”
Toronto Pearson International Airport remains Canada's largest and busiest hub in 2025, supported by infrastructure enhancements and an expanding route network.
Alerts Sign-up
