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It's the most traveled day of the year and the busiest airport in Canada is up to the challenge

Toronto's Pearson International Airport adopts 'enhanced' winter plan to avoid delays


Digital writers
theweathernetwork.com

Friday, December 19, 2014, 2:43 PM - It's the busiest travel day of the year—the Friday before Christmas—and Pearson International Airport is ready for the traffic.

About 121, 000 people will travel through the Greater Toronto Area airport today which could lead to long lineups and travel delays.

But airport officials are trying to speed things up by preparing for today and for the winter season in general. Passengers are being asked to keep holiday gifts unwrapped, since officers could ask to open them during the screening process. Security also reminds travelers that liquid, gels and aerosols should be kept out of the carry-on bags.

Back in November, Toronto Pearson implemented an enhanced Winter Weather Operations Approach to meet the needs of passengers and to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the airport during severe winter weather.

"Based on the feedback from passengers, many employees who work at the airport, and industry experts, Toronto Pearson has made changes to how it handles and responds to severe winter weather," said Vijay J. Kanwar, Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) Board Chair. "Our guests deserve the highest standards of communication and customer service." 

The new strategy comes after a deep freeze in January (see video below) triggered a partial shutdown that slowed travel for a number of days. 


SEE ALSO: How global warming risks making air travel harder


The GTAA 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.


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"One thing new we have provided this year is an application, its available at the app store, it should allow passengers to track their specific flight, and we'll provide information regarding their specific flight," says Howard Eng, GTAA President and Chief Executive Officer.

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

"Safety is imperative for our business and we'll always ensure our conditions are safe at the airport," adds Eng.

CLICK BELOW TO WATCH: Extreme cold temperatures were causing major delays at Toronto's Pearson airport last January.

With files from The Canadian Press

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