Travellers heading south of the border via Toronto’s Billy Bishop airport can look forward to pre-clearing U.S. customs at the island/city facility next year, with plans now underway to introduce the fast-track system by late 2025. Airport executives made the announcement on Thursday while introducing the selection of companies to handle construction and baggage handling duties required for implementation.

“As the 5th-busiest Canadian airport serving the US, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is ideally positioned to offer US preclearance and anticipates significant enhancements to passenger experience, destination offering, and economic impact as a result of the introduction of this service,” said RJ Steenstra, President and CEO, PortsToronto, owner of the airport.

Construction is set to begin in July with implementation notably scheduled to begin before the start of FIFA 2026, which will see some games played in Toronto.

“The benefits of preclearance have been demonstrated at 15 airports around the world,” said Neil Pakey, President and CEO of Nieuport Aviation, owner and operator of the passenger terminal. “(It) fulfils our promise of continually enhancing the passenger experience and will allow Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport to be the front door to Toronto for even more visitors in the years to come.”

Andrew Weir, President and CEO, Destination Toronto, added, “As a global destination for major meetings, business, and leisure travellers, Toronto’s air access is a vital competitive advantage. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport provides strategic connectivity from high-volume US markets, and preclearance is an important step that will help attract more visitors and the powerful economic impact their visits bring to our community.”