Toronto Pearson International Airport has officially launched Pearson LIFT (Long-term Investment in Facilities and Terminals), one of the largest airport infrastructure programs in Canadian history. The airport marked the beginning of construction with a ceremonial groundbreaking attended by federal, provincial and municipal officials, airport partners and construction teams.

Pearson LIFT is a phased, multi-billion-dollar initiative designed to modernize airport infrastructure, expand facilities and improve passenger operations over the next decade.

The first major phase of Pearson LIFT includes a $3-billion investment focused on airside infrastructure and baggage handling systems to improve efficiency, capacity and passenger experience.

Key upgrades include:

• Advanced airfield lighting control and management systems
• Expanded electric vehicle charging infrastructure
• Cleaner heating systems and energy network upgrades
• Approximately 30 kilometres of baggage system improvements
• New baggage carousels, cameras and sensors for issue detection
• Expanded aircraft stands and a high-speed taxiway

The airport says the upgrades will support smoother aircraft movement, reduce operational downtime and improve baggage reliability while preparing the facility for long-term passenger growth.

The infrastructure expansion will increase operational capacity at Toronto Pearson, enabling the airport to accommodate up to 28,000 additional passengers daily.

The renewed 2.2-million-square-metre airfield — equivalent to more than 1,000 NHL-sized hockey rinks — will enhance aircraft movement between runways and gates while supporting future digital navigation technologies.

Airport officials say the investments are intended to position Toronto Pearson as one of the most technologically advanced and operationally efficient airports in North America.

Pearson LIFT also includes sustainability-focused infrastructure upgrades designed to support lower-emission airport operations as demand grows.

According to independent analysis, the modernization program will help Toronto Pearson expand capacity to 65 million passengers annually while creating approximately 16,000 new airport jobs and supporting more than 160,000 jobs nationwide.

The initiative is also expected to contribute $30 billion to the Canadian economy and generate more than $10 billion annually in spending with Canadian suppliers.

Toronto Pearson says additional infrastructure investments and future facility expansion plans will be announced later this year as the Pearson LIFT program continues to advance.

The project represents a major long-term investment in Canadian transportation infrastructure, aviation technology and economic growth.

Explore related articles you won’t want to miss:

How AI Is Transforming Construction Project Management

Top Construction Technology Trends Transforming the Industry in 2026

Construction Guest Post Opportunities | Construction Links Network

• 
•