FAQ

Pearson LIFT (Long-term Investment in Facilities and Terminals) is Toronto Pearson's long-term investment program designed to prepare Canada's largest airport for the future. Through three integrated transformation programs, LIFT will strengthen essential infrastructure, support economic growth, and create more connected journeys for passengers.

Passenger demand is forecasted to grow, and Toronto Pearson must plan for the future. Pearson LIFT helps ensure the airport can support future passenger demand while strengthening Canada's connectivity, supporting jobs, and improving the travel experience.

As Canada continues to grow and compete on the global stage, Toronto Pearson is building the connections the country needs to thrive.

Pearson LIFT includes three major programs and two enabling programs:

Major Programs:

• Accelerator: Upgrading and revitalizing critical airport assets to improve performance, accommodate near-term passenger growth, and support future expansion.
• T1/T3 Revitalization: Upgrading Terminals 1 and 3 through improvements to passenger spaces, amenities, accessibility, technology, parking facilities and baggage systems.
• Gateway: Creating additional terminal space to accommodate forecasted passenger demand and support Toronto Pearson's long-term growth.

Enabling Programs:

• Baggage Handling System: Upgrading and modernizing baggage systems and technology across Terminals 1 and 3 to improve reliability, strengthen resilience and increase capacity for forecasted passenger growth.
• Digitalization and Innovation: Investing in digital tools and technology that work behind the scenes to improve airport operations and support a more seamless, connected passenger journey.

Pearson LIFT is designed to deliver:

• More seamless and connected journeys for passengers
• Increased capacity to support forecasted travel demand
• Greater connectivity through additional routes and airline opportunities
• Enhanced global competitiveness for Canada
• Job creation and economic growth across the GTA and Canada
• New opportunities for Canadian businesses and suppliers
• Modern, resilient infrastructure designed to support future generations

We recognize that construction can create temporary inconvenience for passengers, airport workers, and neighbouring communities.

Toronto Pearson will work closely with project partners, operational partners, municipalities, and community stakeholders to minimize impacts where possible, and share information as plans progress.

Toronto Pearson connects approximately 130,000 passengers every day and handles roughly 45% of Canada's air cargo, making it one of the country's most important economic gateways.

Pearson LIFT will expand the airport's capacity to accommodate the forecasted 65 million passengers annually, helping support future growth in trade, tourism, business investment, and connectivity. Analysis by Oxford Economics suggests this growth could generate more than $9 billion in additional GDP across Canada, create approximately 16,000 new airport jobs, and support 36,000 additional jobs across the broader economy.

This investment will help ensure Canada remains connected, competitive, and prepared for future growth.

Airport growth creates opportunities for businesses across Canada.

Analysis by Oxford Economics estimates that businesses related to the airport and Pearson LIFT will spend more than $10 billion with Canadian suppliers, supporting economic activity and business growth.

Pearson LIFT includes construction, restoration and systems upgrades across three major programs and two enabling programs:

Major Programs:

• Accelerator: Upgrades to airfield and critical airport infrastructure, including modernized lighting and electrical systems, an additional dual stormwater culvert, upgraded clean heating systems, additional electric vehicle chargers for fleet vehicles, aircraft hardstands, and a new high-speed taxiway. This work supports resilience, expanded cargo capacity, near-term growth and sustainability goals.
• T1/T3 Revitalization: Modernization of check-in, baggage and security processing areas; restoration of parking facilities; upgrades to terminal lighting and critical building systems; and refreshed passenger waiting areas, lounges, retail and amenities. Work also includes improvements to terminal layouts, signage and accessibility.
• Gateway: Construction of new terminal space to accommodate forecasted passenger demand, with intuitive layouts, clear wayfinding and flexible spaces designed to evolve with passenger needs and new technologies.

Enabling Programs:

• Baggage Handling Systems: Pearson is upgrading baggage infrastructure and technology across Terminals 1 and 3 to strengthen reliability today while creating additional capacity for the future. These investments will support a more resilient baggage system as the airport grows.
• Digitalization and Innovation: Upgrades to the behind-the-scenes digital technology and systems that support airport operations and connect the passenger journey across existing and new airport spaces.

Pearson LIFT is helping build a more sustainable airport for the future.

Projects are being planned and delivered with a focus on sustainability, operational efficiency, responsible construction practices, and investments that support the aviation industry's transition to more sustainable forms of air travel.

Pearson LIFT is being delivered over several years through multiple phases. Individual projects have different schedules, with the overall program expected to continue through the early to mid-2030s.

LIFT will support a more connected travel experience through investments in terminals, parking, security, baggage systems, passenger amenities, accessibility, technology, and airport infrastructure.

These improvements are designed to help make travel through Toronto Pearson more intuitive, efficient, and accessible.

Toronto Pearson will remain operational throughout construction.

Projects are being planned and phased carefully to maintain airport operations and minimize impacts while work progresses across the airport.

Passengers may see construction activity as projects move forward. While temporary impacts may occur from time to time, Toronto Pearson will work to minimize disruptions wherever possible and share updates.

To see the latest airport wait times visit our live dashboard.

Keeping surrounding communities informed remains a priority, and Toronto Pearson is committed to open communications as projects progress. Additional information and updates will be shared as plans continue to evolve.

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