TORONTO — It now costs passengers a little less money to fly out of Billy Bishop Airport.

PortsToronto, owner and operator of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, has announced a reduction in the Airport Improvement Fee (AIF). The policy, which came into effect on April 1, reduces the fee to $15, down from $20.

AIFs are customary amounts that are charged to departing passengers of an airport to pay for infrastructure and capital improvements to the airport. At $15 per departing passenger, the AIF at Billy bishop Airport will now be among the lowest in Canada.

The reduced AIF is consistent with recommendations stemming from the 2016 Canada Transportation Act Review, which cited the need for reduced travel costs, increased connectivity and improved service for Canadian travellers as an important means of keeping the aviation sector healthy and competitive.

“The airport and its passengers have benefitted from a consistent and strong stream of AIF funds that have been reinvested into infrastructure and capital projects such as the pedestrian tunnel and the airfield modernization, a three-year project that will successfully conclude this summer,” said Geoffrey Wilson, Chief Executive Officer, PortsToronto. “With these big projects complete, and with passenger numbers continuing strong, PortsToronto is in a position to reduce the fees charged to the consumer and ensure a travel experience that is not only efficient, convenient and service oriented, but also cost effective.”

The news comes ahead of the airport introducing significant enhancements, which include an upgraded terminal. The enhanced facility will feature new and larger lounge areas, increased retail, food and beverage services, an 11th gate and a preclearance facility in anticipation of successful negotiations to bring U.S. Customs Border Protection staff and facilities to Billy Bishop.