U.S. Preclearance Now Available at Billy Bishop Airport!

Great news for travellers flying from downtown Toronto to the United States!

As of March 10, 2026, passengers departing from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport can now complete U.S. customs and immigration before boarding their flight thanks to the airport’s new U.S. preclearance facility.

The addition brings the small but busy downtown airport in line with major Canadian hubs that already offer the service and makes cross-border travel significantly easier for passengers heading south.

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What U.S. Preclearance Means for Travellers

U.S. preclearance allows passengers to complete U.S. immigration, customs, and agriculture inspections before leaving Canada rather than after landing in the United States.

For travellers, the biggest benefit is what happens on arrival. Instead of joining long international arrivals lines, passengers land as domestic travellers in the U.S. and can simply collect their luggage and exit the airport.

At Billy Bishop, the process works as follows:

1. Check in with your airline and drop off any checked bags
2. Pass through Canadian airport security
3. Complete U.S. Customs and Border Protection inspection
4. Relax in the transborder departure lounge before boarding

Once you land in the United States, there are no additional customs inspections required.

For frequent cross-border travellers, the facility will also include expedited screening lanes for NEXUS card holders.

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A Major Upgrade for Downtown Toronto Travel

The introduction of preclearance is particularly significant for a downtown airport like Billy Bishop.

Located just minutes from Toronto’s financial district, the airport has long been popular with business travellers thanks to its proximity to the city core. However, the lack of U.S. preclearance made flying out of Toronto Pearson International Airport more efficient.

Now, airlines can offer a smoother travel experience similar to what passengers get at larger Canadian airports.

Officials say the project has been more than a decade in the making and involved close cooperation between the Canadian and U.S. governments.

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Porter Airlines and Air Canada Expanding U.S. Flights

The timing of the new facility aligns with a growing number of U.S. routes from Billy Bishop.

Porter Airlines, which is headquartered at the airport, already operates several cross-border routes including flights to Boston, Chicago, New York, and Washington.

Meanwhile Air Canada is expanding its presence at the airport with new service to several key U.S. business markets, including New York LaGuardia and Washing Dulles, among others.

These routes strengthen the airport’s role as a convenient gateway for business travel between Toronto and major American cities.

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What Travellers Should Know Before Flying

Passengers travelling to the United States from Billy Bishop should plan ahead for the new process.

Travellers will still need to arrive early to allow time for security screening and the preclearance inspection. All passengers must carry a valid passport, and non-Canadian citizens may require a visa or ESTA authorization depending on their nationality.

The airport also reminds passengers not to arrive before 5 a.m., as the terminal is closed to the public overnight.

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The Bottom Line

For travellers flying between Toronto and the United States, the addition of preclearance at Billy Bishop is a meaningful improvement.

The combination of downtown convenience, expanding airline service, and faster arrivals in the U.S. makes the airport an even more attractive option for cross-border trips.

With airlines like Porter and Air Canada continuing to add routes, this long-awaited upgrade could further strengthen Billy Bishop’s role as one of Canada’s most efficient and convenient airports.