Canada’s aviation sector is experiencing significant growth, with its eight largest airports collectively serving approximately 58.2 million departing passengers in 2023, according to figures from the Canadian government. This represents an increase of 2.1% year-on-year and a notable 4.8% rise compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. While Canada’s overall passenger numbers remain modest compared to the projected 9.8 billion passengers globally as reported by the Airports Council International, the upwards trajectory suggests a burgeoning aviation market.
Toronto Pearson: Dominating the Landscape
Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) stands out as the busiest airport in Canada, accommodating approximately 46.8 million passengers in 2024. This figure far surpasses that of its nearest competitor, Vancouver International Airport (YVR), which recorded just under 30 million passengers in the same period. The gap is substantial, with Toronto hosting almost 17 million more travelers than Vancouver, reflecting its status as a key hub for both domestic and international flights.
The airport, which serves Canada’s largest city with a population exceeding 3 million, is a vital link for international travel. It supported over 50,000 jobs prior to the pandemic, marking it as the largest airport in terms of employment and ranking as Canada’s second-largest employment zone. With an expansive area of 4,600 acres, equivalent to nearly 12,500 hockey arenas, Toronto Pearson features five main runways, underscoring its significance in the Canadian aviation landscape.
Recent statistics from November 2025 indicate that Toronto Pearson facilitated 35.8 million passengers in the first nine months of the year, generating revenue of $1.6 billion during this period. Notably, around 22.8 million of these travelers were en route to international destinations.
Shifting Canadian Travel Trends
While Toronto Pearson maintains its lead, the overall dynamics of Canadian air travel are evolving. A significant portion of passenger traffic consists of transborder flights to and from the United States, which accounted for 23.2% of screened passengers at Canada’s largest airports in December 2025. However, data from Statistics Canada reveals a marked decline in this segment. December 2025 marked the eleventh consecutive month of year-on-year decreases in travel to the U.S., with a 7.5% overall drop reported for the year compared to 2024.
Factors influencing this shift include changing political climates and evolving travel preferences. Canadians are increasingly opting for international destinations such as Mexico, Portugal, the Bahamas, and Belize instead of the United States. Despite this decline, Toronto Pearson has seen a boost in domestic travel, which has helped mitigate the impact of reduced transborder flights.
Canada’s Other Major Airports
Other airports in Canada also play significant roles in air traffic. Vancouver International Airport, which opened in 1931, ranks second, with 26.9 million passengers recorded in 2025. It operates three runways and employs approximately 24,000 workers as of 2016. Montreal–Trudeau International Airport follows closely, having served 22.4 million passengers in the same year and employing 30,000 workers.
Calgary International Airport and Edmonton International Airport round out the top five, with 19.4 million and 7.9 million passengers, respectively, in 2025. Both airports boast significant land areas and facilities, with Calgary featuring four runways.
Despite Toronto’s dominance in passenger numbers, it is not the largest airport in terms of size. Montreal-Mirabel International Airport holds that title with a sprawling area of 17,000 acres, though it ceased passenger services in 2004 and now serves primarily private jets and aircraft manufacturing.
Looking Ahead
As Toronto Pearson continues to lead in passenger volume and aircraft movements, it remains to be seen whether changing travel trends will impact its position in the coming years. The airport has plans for an ambitious summer season, including a record number of new routes and 34 nonstop flights to Europe operated by 20 airlines.
With the ongoing growth of Canada’s aviation market, Toronto Pearson is well-positioned to maintain its status as the country’s busiest airport, adapting to shifting passenger preferences and enhancing its operational capabilities.