Ford says jets coming to Billy Bishop airport “one way or another”

Ontario Premier Doug Ford says jets will eventually operate out of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ), insisting the expansion will happen “one way or another,” while criticizing some residents of the Toronto Islands who oppose the long-debated plan.

Speaking at an unrelated news conference Monday (March 9), Ford said the province will not let the concerns of a small group stand in the way of expanding the airport.

“Folks, the game’s over,” Ford said, as reported by CTV News, adding that the government will not worry about the one per cent if it affects the broader public.

The Premier also reportedly referred to island residents as “squatters,” pointing to their unique housing arrangement that allows them to own homes on leased land at below-market prices.

Ford’s remarks build on comments he made last month when he signalled his desire to extend the airport’s runway to accommodate larger aircraft.

READ MORE: Billy Bishop opens new U.S. Preclearance facility

Expanding the Toronto’s island airport has been discussed for years but has never moved ahead, partly due to public opposition. However, Ford said provincial polling suggests significant support for the idea.

An online survey conducted by the Ontario government between Nov. 28 and Dec. 2, 2025 polled 2,514 Ontario residents aged 18 and older.

According to the government, about 70 per cent of respondents supported expanding the airport.

The airport’s operator, PortsToronto, said last week it supports Ford’s vision for the airport.

President and CEO RJ Steenstra said the organization is developing plans to modernize the facility to keep pace with growing aviation demand as Ontario’s population is projected to increase from 16.1 million to 20.5 million by 2051.

Currently, the types of aircraft allowed to operate at Billy Bishop are restricted by the Tripartite Agreement — a deal signed in 1983 that governs how the airport operates.

Ford said the province plans to work with Ottawa on any expansion and suggested Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow also supports expanding the airport, though she may not agree with introducing jets.

City council recently approved extending the airport’s lease to allow for runway extensions needed to complete federally required safety improvements. The decision enables the airport to move forward with those upgrades.

U.S. Preclearance opens

The discussion comes as Billy Bishop opens a brand-new U.S. Preclearance facility, promising faster arrivals, smoother connections, new route opportunities, and a more seamless experience for travellers passing through YTZ.

The new facility, which officially opened Tuesday (March 10), received a $30 million-dollar investment from the Government of Canada. 

It coincides with Air Canada's expansion at Billy Bishop, which will introduce new non-stop routes to the U.S. this spring.

Meanwhile, Porter Airlines, which is headquartered at Billy Bishop, already operates flights to Boston, Chicago, New York, and Washington.

Research by York Aviation shows that YTZ airport has the potential to deliver $5.3 billion in economic output through the increased aviation activity that Preclearance will bring about.

Billy Bishop is the ninth busiest airport in Canada and the fifth busiest serving U.S. markets. The downtown airport on the Toronto Islands welcomes roughly 450,000 U.S. passengers per year.

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