Remembering a Canadian hero this airport bears his name. The Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport honours William Avery Bishop. He was a Canadian World War I flying ace. Later in life he became a World War II Air Marshal. This airport stands as a testament to his courage.
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport sits on the Toronto Islands. It is often called Toronto Island Airport. It was also once known as Toronto City Centre Airport. The airport started in the 1930s. The Toronto Harbour Commission built it. Construction finished in 1939.
Malton Airport also known as Toronto Pearson International Airport became Toronto’s main airport instead. The island airport was left for general aviation and military use. During World War II the island airport turned into a military training base. From 1940 to 1943 the Royal Norwegian Air Force trained here. Barracks were built nearby. Little Norway Park remembers the Norwegian community around the airport.
After the war Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport went back to civilian use. Flying clubs and aviation companies set up shop. They offered rentals air freight charter flights pilot training and sightseeing tours.
The airport faced closure in the 1980s. A 50-year agreement limited noise and banned jets. This allowed the airport to stay open. In 1999 the Toronto Port Authority replaced the Toronto Harbour Commission. Their goal was to make the port and airport self-sufficient. They decided the airport needed to expand.
Porter Airlines helped increase scheduled flights. Passengers paid landing fees and airport improvement fees. By 2010 airport operations became self-sufficient. In 2015 a pedestrian tunnel opened. It connected the airport to the mainland. A previous plan to build a bridge was cancelled.
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport has one main runway. It also has a shorter runway. A seaplane base is also present. The airport serves regional airlines and general aviation. Medical evacuation flights use it because of its downtown location. Small charter flights and private aviation also operate here. Jets are banned except for medical flights. The passenger terminal was built in 2010.
The airport is an airport of entry. Canada Border Services Agency officers are on site. They can handle aircraft with up to 90 passengers. The airport does not have US border preclearance yet. However it has been approved by both governments.
A free pedestrian tunnel connects to the mainland. It has moving sidewalks and elevators. A ferry also operates every 15 minutes. A free shuttle bus runs between the airport and York Street and Front Street.
Each passenger pays an airport improvement fee. In 2017 the airport was named the “Best Airport in North America”. This was based on customer surveys.
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport has come a long way since its early days. It has overcome many challenges. Today it is a vital part of Toronto’s transportation network. It serves many passengers each year. It continues to honour the legacy of Billy Bishop.