Toronto Pearson taking steps to improve travel ahead of busy winter season

Officials at Canada’s busiest airport say they’re preparing for the busy winter season and say changes are being made.

Last year passengers at Pearson Airport faced flight and baggage delays. But there appears to be a renewed focus on creating a stress-free experience. And that focus stretches to Hamilton’s airport as well.

Kate Bonteath arrived at John C. Munroe Hamilton International Airport the recommended three hours early, to catch a 3:35 p.m. flight to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

“Just go with the flow, be happy, be happy you are going away and you are not dealing with the cold here,” said Bonteath.

Cole Horncastle is the executive managing director of John C. Munroe Hamilton International Airport.

He helps make sure their 37 flights a week take off on time no matter how much snow has fallen.

“We have a team here 24/7,clearing the runways, making sure the aprons are ready to go, so that aircraft can come and go as needed, and as well those passengers coming to the airport, we have a team groundside as well making sure that our parking lots and roads are clear for access,” said Horncastle.

Deborah Flint is president and CEO of the Greater Toronto Airports Authority, that oversees Toronto Pearson Airport. Thursday she announced their winter preparedness plan.

Their initiatives include increased staffing, expanded de-icing capacity, newly commissioned advanced snowplows and the implementation of technology used to predict weather and delay forecasting.

She also says getting through ticket and security lines as quickly as possible speeds up the process for everyone which helps prevent even longer delays that may be caused by weather.