On September 15, 2026, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a proposal that would shift operational control of Canada’s four largest airports to private investors. The airports identified in the plan are located in Toronto, Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver. Carney’s announcement marks a potential change from the current model in which the federal government directly operates these major transportation hubs.
The proposal calls for private sector involvement to manage day‑to‑day airport functions, with the aim of introducing private investment into the airport system. By allowing investors to assume control, the government intends to tap additional capital for upgrades, efficiency improvements and service enhancements, according to the prime minister’s statements.
At present, Canada’s key airports remain under federal administration, a structure that has persisted since their inception. The shift toward privatization would represent a significant policy move, aligning Canada’s airport management with practices seen in several other countries where private operators run major airports.
Carney’s plan does not alter ownership of the airport land or infrastructure, which would continue to be held by the state. Instead, it focuses on transferring operational responsibilities, including terminal management, commercial leasing and passenger services, to private entities selected through a competitive process. The government has indicated that the change is intended to foster investment that could modernize facilities and improve the traveler experience.
The proposal is expected to be reviewed by relevant ministries and may require legislative adjustments before any contracts are awarded. Stakeholders, including airline companies, municipal authorities and labor groups, have been advised that further details will be released as the process moves forward. The prime minister’s announcement sets the stage for a national discussion on the role of private capital in Canada’s aviation infrastructure.