Flying out of Billy Bishop Airport is about to get cheaper

Those flying out of Billy Bishop Airport will see slightly more cash stay in their pockets, starting Sunday, April 1.

On Thursday, the airport announced it will be lowering its Airport Improvement Fee from the current rate of $20 down to $15.

The new fee rate will be “among the lowest in Canada” the airport said in a release.

“Billy Bishop Airport has grown into a world-class airport and a key gateway to and from Toronto,” said Geoffrey Wilson, CEO of PortsToronto.

With recent reinvestment in infrastructure, growing passenger numbers, and various capital projects that are now nearing completion, “PortsToronto is in a position to reduce the fees charged to the consumer and ensure a travel experience that is not only efficient… but also cost effective.”

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The reduced AIF is consistent with recommendations stemming from the 2016 Canada Transportation Act Review which cited the need for reduced travel costs, increased connectivity and improved service for Canadian travellers as an important means of keeping the aviation sector healthy and competitive.

The reduction comes as the airport is gearing up to introduce significant enhancements at the airport including an upgraded terminal, which is being undertaken by Nieuport Aviation Infrastructure Partners, that will add to passengers experience.

The upgrades to the terminal will include new and larger lounge facilities, increased retail, food and beverage services, as well as an 11th gate to further enhance the efficiency offered to passengers who are flying to the more than 20 Canadian and U.S. destinations serviced by Billy Bishop Airport.

The airport has recently won a series of passenger-driven awards, including being named one of the top airports in North America in both the Airports Council International’s (ACI) 2017 Airport Service Quality Awards and Skytrax 2017 World Airport Awards, and was ranked sixth Best International Airport by Condé Nast Traveler in 2017.

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