Toronto’s downtown airport has officially launched its U.S. preclearance facility, allowing passengers to complete customs, immigration and agriculture inspections in Canada before boarding flights to the United States. The $30 million facility is expected to strengthen connectivity, enable new routes and support regional economic growth.
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) has officially opened its U.S. Customs and Border Protection preclearance facility, allowing passengers travelling to the United States to complete border inspections before departure from Toronto’s downtown airport.
The new facility enables travellers to undergo U.S. Customs, Immigration and Agriculture inspections in Canada prior to boarding their flight. As a result, passengers arriving in the United States are treated as domestic arrivals, removing the need to clear border formalities upon landing and significantly streamlining the travel experience.
Benefits of preclearance facility
Airport officials say the introduction of preclearance will also strengthen connectivity between Toronto and the United States by enabling additional transborder routes and improving operational efficiency for airlines operating from the airport.
RJ Steenstra, President and CEO of Toronto Port Authority, which owns and operates the airport, described the opening as a major milestone.
“Today marks a defining milestone for Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport and for the passengers and markets we proudly serve,” Steenstra said.
“For nearly 90 years, this airport has linked Toronto and the region to tourism, trade and business. With the opening of the U.S. preclearance facility, we will further enhance convenience, strengthen security and create new opportunities for connection.”
Preclearance is also expected to support airline growth at the airport. Recent announcements by Air Canada and Porter Airlines outlining new U.S. routes from the airport were made possible by the availability of preclearance services.
Jennifer Quinn, CEO of Nieuport Aviation, said the project represents a significant investment in the region’s future.
“Preclearance may sound like a process upgrade, but it is far more than that. By clearing U.S. Customs in Canada, we are making travel to the United States more convenient, unlocking new routes and facilitating stronger economic growth through increased visitor spending and job creation,” Quinn said.
The project was delivered through collaboration between multiple partners, including the Government of Canada, which contributed approximately $30 million in funding. Additional cooperation came from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, alongside airport and terminal operators.
Business and tourism leaders have also highlighted the importance of the new facility for strengthening economic connectivity between Canada and the United States.
Giles Gherson, President and CEO of the Toronto Region Board of Trade, said efficient cross border travel is essential for companies operating across North America.
Stephen Lund, CEO of Toronto Global, added that stronger international connectivity is a key factor in attracting business investment.
The new facility is expected to further enhance Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport’s role as an important gateway for both business and leisure travel, supporting tourism, trade and regional economic development.
