On September 15, 2026, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced his intention that private investors assume operational control of Canada’s four largest airports, located in Toronto, Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver.
The four facilities, which are currently managed by the federal government, would shift from public to private administration under the proposal put forward by the prime minister. Carney’s statement placed all four major hubs at the center of a potential restructuring of airport management across the country.
The primary aim of the proposal is to bring private investment into airport operations. By allowing private entities to run the airports, the government hopes to attract new capital and expertise that could be applied to the day‑to‑day management and long‑term development of the nation’s busiest air travel gateways.
No specific timeline or details regarding the selection of investors were disclosed in the announcement. The proposal marks a significant policy shift, as the federal government has historically retained direct control over the nation’s primary airports. The move could set a precedent for how other transportation assets are handled in the future.
The announcement comes amid ongoing discussions about infrastructure funding and the role of the private sector in delivering public services. While the four airports remain under federal oversight for now, Carney’s call signals a clear intention to explore a private‑sector partnership model for these key transportation hubs.
The prime minister’s proposal will likely be examined by relevant ministries and stakeholders to assess its feasibility, potential benefits and any regulatory considerations before any concrete steps are taken toward a private takeover.