Ottawa’s move to halt random COVID-19 testing ‘welcome news’ for Canada’s airports

Ottawa’s move to temporarily pause random COVID-19 testing for inbound international travellers at airports could provide the much-needed relief to Canadians.

Ottawa’s move to temporarily pause random COVID-19 testing for inbound international travellers at airports could provide much-needed relief to Canadians that have for weeks suffered delays and prolonged wait times.

Many of Canada’s airports have welcomed the news that came on the heels of the U.S. dropping testing requirements for international tourists.

“This is welcome news for the upcoming summer travel season as it is expected to reduce the processing time,” a senior communications adviser for the Greater Toronto Airports Authority, which operates Toronto Pearson International Airport, told Global News in a statement Friday evening.

“Of course, there are many factors that cause congestion, including staffing, but the government of Canada’s agility to temporarily pause testing is an indication of their commitment to working with stakeholders to improve the airport experience for family and business travellers,” the statement said.

Last month, nearly half a million passengers faced delays on international flights at Pearson airport. This was about half of all arrivals from abroad, according to Greater Toronto Airports Authority statistics.

Former one-time Edmonton Oilers defenceman, Ryan Whitney, called the airport “hell on earth,” while travelling through Pearson on his way to Boston.

Hours-long lineups, being held on the tarmac without food or waiting while waiting for a turn to enter the airport, missing connections and delayed flights have also been reported among travellers.

In Saskatchewan, airports are also pleased with the government’s decision to pause random testing for international travellers.