Toronto 
A new preclearance facility for travellers heading to the United States will open at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport on March 10, 2026, a move the federal government says will simplify cross-border travel and strengthen security.
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport
The announcement was made Monday by Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon, joined by Ontario Transportation Minister Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria. The facility is the result of collaboration between Canada and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Preclearance allows passengers flying to the United States to complete customs, immigration, and agriculture inspections before leaving Canada. That means travellers can arrive in the U.S. as domestic passengers and continue directly to their final destinations or connections.
“By facilitating the fast, secure, and efficient movement of people across the border, preclearance supports trade and economic growth,” the federal government said in a statement.
Officials say the change could significantly expand Billy Bishop’s economic impact. The airport currently contributes about $2.1 billion annually to the regional economy, a figure projected to rise to $5.3 billion once preclearance is in place. Increased aviation activity could also boost annual tax revenue to $215 million, up from $150 million, while creating more on-site jobs as additional routes become possible.
The federal government contributed $30 million in capital funding toward the project.
Alongside the new facility, amendments to Canada’s Preclearance Regulations are also taking effect. These changes introduce a new screening process for employees who require unescorted access to preclearance areas. The system is designed to prevent individuals with certain criminal records from accessing these secure spaces.
The updated process will operate alongside the existing Transportation Security Clearance program, creating what officials describe as a more comprehensive security framework for airports hosting preclearance operations across Canada.
With the new facility, Billy Bishop joins other Canadian airports offering U.S. preclearance, aimed at making cross-border travel faster while supporting tourism, trade, and economic activity between the two countries.
