Toronto’s international airport has enhanced winter operations plan

TORONTO – Canada’s busiest airport has adopted an “enhanced” winter operations plan to better meet the needs of its passengers.

The new plan for Toronto’s Pearson International Airport comes after a deep freeze in January triggered a partial shutdown that slowed travel for days.

The Greater Toronto Airports Authority says the airport has new snow removal equipment and “warming stations” for outdoor employees.

Improvements have also been made to aircraft traffic management programs to allow for a better balance between airport capacity and demand during adverse weather.

The airport is also focusing on improving communications with passengers through updates via terminal screens and its website, as well as a new mobile app.

The airport will ensure passengers who face extended delays during severe winter weather will have access to “essential items” like water or diapers.

Pearson declared a so-called “ground stop” on Jan. 7 this year after wind chill readings hovered around the -40 C mark, causing hundreds of flights to be cancelled.

Thousands of passengers slept at the airport and there were mountains of luggage waiting for pick-up.

The GTAA said at the time that the decision was made because of how the cold was affecting equipment and to minimize time outdoors for employees.

It later apologized for the delays.