Wondering what YYZ means on your luggage tag? That’s the identifier code for Toronto Pearson International Airport. This airport is more than just a place to catch a flight. It’s a bustling hub with a rich history and some surprising facts.
Toronto Pearson International Airport first took shape in 1937. Back then, it was known as Malton Airport. The Toronto Harbour Commission built it. The original idea was to have it serve as a backup to the Toronto Island Airport. But Toronto Pearson quickly grew to be the primary airport.
Initially, the airport covered 170 hectares. It featured lighting, radio, weather equipment plus two runways and one grass landing strip. The first landing happened in 1938. A Trans-Canada Air Lines DC-3 made the first scheduled passenger flight in 1939.
During World War II, the Royal Canadian Air Force used the airport as a training base. It was known as RCAF Station Malton. Several training schools operated here. After the war, the airport continued to expand.
In 1958, Toronto sold Malton Airport to the federal government. It was renamed Toronto International Airport. Then, in 1984, it received its current name. It became Toronto Pearson International Airport in honor of Lester B. Pearson. He was Canada’s 14th Prime Minister and a Nobel Peace Prize winner.
Today, Toronto Pearson is Canada’s largest and busiest airport. In 2023, it handled 44.8 million passengers. It has five runways and two main terminals. These are Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Both terminals handle domestic, transborder and international flights.
Terminal 1 is huge. It has 58 gates and can handle 30 million passengers every year. Inside Terminal 1, you’ll find the ThyssenKrupp Express Walkway. It is known as the world’s fastest moving walkway.
Terminal 3 has 46 gates with a capacity of 17 million passengers annually. It is home to several airline lounges.
Fun fact. Toronto Pearson handles about half of Canada’s international air cargo. The airport has three main cargo facilities. They are known as Cargo West, Cargo East, and Cargo North.
Getting to and from Toronto Pearson is easy. The Union Pearson Express train connects the airport to downtown Toronto. It runs every 15 minutes. Public transit buses and ride-sharing services are also available.
Toronto Pearson International Airport has come a long way. From its humble beginnings as Malton Airport to its current status as a major international gateway, it continues to evolve. The airport is a vital hub for travel and commerce connecting Toronto to the world.