Toronto”s controversial City airport re-opens today, October 23, for scheduled services. Situated on an island less than two miles from the city centre, and dating back to the 1930s, the tiny operation has always been the centre of, sometimes very bitter, debate. Some island residents and environmentalists have always opposed the whole concept, whilst many people in the city see the operation as another boost in both business and leisure terms, comparing it to London City Airport (which was initially fought against by many, including Ken Livingston who later opened its railway extension).
Porter Airlines, a start-up commuter carrier, will operate up to 10 services a day to Ottawa and says it is well on the way to introducing other flights to major cities within a 500 mile radius. The airline, which has just negotiated a special discount deal for government employees, operates the locally built Bombardier Q400 turboprop.
A brand new state-of-the-art ferry links the airport to the mainland (a 120m. two-minute journey), and passengers can make use of a brand new terminal building.