Travel advisors with clients headed to the United States through Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport will be able to deliver some welcome news to them as of today (March 10, 2026) as those clients will now be able to clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection before their flight at Billy Bishop.
The opening of U.S. Pre-Clearance at the city centre airport in Toronto, reinforces the Canadian governments investments in airport infrastructure, which are crucial to maintaining safety, security, and connectivity for business travellers and tourists. Those investments also facilitate the fast, secure, and efficient movement of people across the border, pre-clearance supports trade and economic growth.
Canada’s Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, Steven MacKinnon said that: “Strong transportation links are important to our economy. The new preclearance facility at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport will make cross-border travel easier for passengers while enhancing border security and improving efficiency.”
And Minister MacKinnon continued: “By investing in modern infrastructure, we are strengthening our transportation system and ensuring Canada remains competitive, resilient, and well-positioned for continued economic growth.”
The new pre-clearance facility at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport for United States-bound travellers represents an important partnership with the United States Customs and Border Protection, the new pre-clearance facility will provide important benefits to Canadians and the air sector by:
- Streamlining the travel experience through allowing U.S.-bound passengers to complete the customs process before departure, and proceed directly to connections or their final destinations.
- Enhancing border security and early threat detection by enabling Canada and the United States to collaborate on managing border risks and addressing shared security concerns.
- Supporting economic growth and job creation by increasing the airport’s economic contribution in the region and boosting employment on both sides of the border.
- Strengthening trade and tourism ties by easing cross-border tourism and broader economic activity between Canada and the United States, and opening new opportunities and destinations for Canadians to the United States and connections to other areas abroad.
As of March 10, 2026, amendments to the Preclearance in Canada Regulations come into force, introducing a new security screening process for individuals who need unescorted access to preclearance areas as part of their employment.
The amendments are the result of close coordinated efforts between Canada and the United States to put in place a process that will strengthen Canada-US border security.
The process will deny access to people with a record of criminal offences that could present risks to the integrity and security of the border.
These measures apply nationwide to all facilities that host pre-clearance operations and will further enhance border safety across Canada all while supporting secure, efficient travel and trade with the United States.
RJ Steenstra, President and CEO, Toronto Port Authority, Billy Bishop Airport Owner and Operator, observed that: “Today marks more than the completion of Canada’s first U.S. CBP Pre-clearance facility in 25 years, it represents the culmination of a decade of determination, partnership, and vision.”
Steenstra continued: “Catalyzed by a capital investment from the Government of Canada in 2023, this new facility enhances the passenger experience, unlocks new direct access to U.S. destinations, introduces modern border technologies to strengthen efficiency and security, and significantly increases the economic impact of this airport for Toronto and region. With this milestone, we reaffirm our commitment to continued investment, innovation and advancement to secure the future of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.”
Jennifer Quinn, President and CEO, Nieuport Aviation, said: “We thank the Government of Canada for its $30 million investment in this transformational project, and for its partnership in bringing this decade-long vision to fruition. As the airport’s private-sector terminal partner, we are proud to bring this critical infrastructure project from concept to reality — strengthening connectivity, enhancing security, elevating the passenger experience and unlocking stronger economic opportunity.”
And she pointed out that: “With new routes from both Air Canada and Porter Airlines, this facility is already well on its way to deepening connectivity and enabling more seamless onward travel while reinforcing Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport’s role as a vital gateway for business and leisure travellers alike.”
