What will airport privatization mean for travellers in Canada?

Travellers at Toronto's Pearson International Airport. Proponents of Ottawa's proposed privatization model point to fewer cancellations and more international routes as potential benefits. Sammy Kogan/The Canadian Press

Travellers could see fewer cancelled flights, more international routes offered by low-cost carriers and sleeker amenities if Ottawa’s plan to privatize airports follows in the footsteps of major regional hubs in other countries, proponents say.

But critics warn that success elsewhere won’t be easily replicated in Canada, where a lack of competition adds different considerations.

The model proposed by Prime Minister Mark Carney at the inaugural Canada Investment Summit would involve opening up the doors to private investment in Canada’s major airports, while the federal government would retain ownership of the underlying land and assets.

Proponents argue that this model has revitalized airports around the world.