Photo courtesy of Billy Bishop City Airport

More than 250,000 passengers travelled though Billy Bishop City Airport last month, making it the busiest month in the airport’s history. According to PortsToronto, owners and operators of the airport, Porter Airlines and Air Canada contributed to the high passenger numbers, which included both leisure and business travellers.

"With two award-winning commercial carriers with direct service to more than 20 destinations in Canada and the U.S., and connections to 80 destinations through partner airline agreements, Billy Bishop Airport is an important gateway for business and leisure travellers alike," said Gene Cabral, executive vice president, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport and PortsToronto. "Amenities such as the pedestrian tunnel, enhanced shuttle service, full-service lounges, proximity to downtown and shorter lines have established Billy Bishop Airport as the airport of choice among those looking for quick, convenient, comfortable access to such cities as Ottawa, New York, Boston and Montreal. July and August are also shaping up to be busy months and we look forward to welcoming our travellers and helping them along on their journeys."

The airport, which earlier this year was included as a part of an expansion of Canada’s Pre-clearance program with the United States also earned a coveted slot on the “Best Airport - North America Region” list at the Airport Service Quality Awards.  

Although the airport is experiencing steady month-over-month growth, airport officials are managing the airport’s progress under a managed growth strategy developed in 2006 which was designed to “ensure balance along the waterfront.”

The airport is also working with Pearson International and other provincial airports from Kitchener to Windsor to plan and prepare for future growth passenger growth, which is expected to top 90 million passengers over the next 30 years, according to a recent Toronto Region Board of Trade report entitled Collaboration, Connectivity and Competitiveness. The report states that passenger usage is anticipated to increase by more than 50 per cent during that time period. The growth could add significant stress to the existing aviation infrastructure, which currently has a capacity of 70 million passengers.

Last year, Billy Bishop Airport, which is Canada's ninth-busiest airport, welcomed more than 2.5 million business and leisure travellers. The airport is Canada's sixth-busiest airport in terms of passengers to the United States.

For more information, visit www.PortsToronto.com.