Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on September 15, 2026 that the federal government intends to invite private investors to take over the operational control of Canada’s four largest airports. The plan targets Toronto Pearson International Airport, Montreal‑Trudeau International Airport, Calgary International Airport and Vancouver International Airport, the nation’s busiest air hubs.
The proposal marks a shift from the current model in which each of these airports is managed by a public authority. Carney said the government is looking to attract private capital to improve efficiency and service levels at the nation’s key gateways. By opening the airports to private operators, the administration hopes to leverage market expertise and investment that it believes will benefit travellers and the broader economy.
The four airports have long been under public stewardship, with each overseen by a distinct airport authority appointed by municipal or provincial bodies. While the public model has ensured government oversight, officials have noted that the infrastructure faces growing demands and that funding constraints limit upgrades. The new approach aims to address those challenges by allowing private sector participation in day‑to‑day management while the government retains ownership of the underlying assets.
Details on the selection process for private partners have not yet been released. The government indicated that any arrangement would be subject to regulatory oversight and would need to meet standards for safety, security and passenger experience. The move follows a broader trend in which governments worldwide consider privatization as a tool to mobilize additional resources for critical infrastructure.
Stakeholders, including airline companies and consumer groups, are expected to weigh in as the plan moves forward. The announcement sets the stage for further consultations and the development of a framework that could reshape how Canada’s major airports are run.