What happened
US Customs & Border Protection preclearance has officially opened at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) in Toronto as of March 10, 2026. This long-awaited facility allows US-bound passengers to clear customs and immigration before departure, a significant change for the airport which previously only handled domestic and international flights without US preclearance. The primary impact for frequent fliers is the enablement of new US service. Air Canada has announced plans to launch four new routes from YTZ to the United States: Boston (BOS), Chicago O'Hare (ORD), New York LaGuardia (LGA), and Washington Dulles (IAD). This expands Air Canada's network beyond its usual hubs and leverages the airport's proximity to downtown Toronto. Porter Airlines, which already operated transborder flights from YTZ (with US immigration on arrival), is also expected to increase its network. The $30 million CAD facility is expected to boost the airport's economic contribution significantly