Summary
The international airports in Canada’s seven largest metros generate significant GDP and often represent the second-largest employment district in their Region. They are prime economic engines requiring supportive policies, government services and transit connectivity.
However, Canada’s major airports face connectivity challenges and noticeably lack higher-order ground transit for travellers. They also suffer from screening challenges related to a lack of technology and globally competitive service standards.
This report makes the following key recommendations for maximizing the value of Canada’s major airports:
- Adopt an internationally competitive service standard
- Implement a targeted screening approach
- Foster the development of global air transit hubs
- Strategically align immigration and border facilitation for priority markets in tourism, investment and education
- Develop airport transit and multi-modal hubs