Pearson airport stages first in-person security exercise in over two years

Officials are Pearson airport are calling Saturday’s mock emergency exercise a success.

The Greater Toronto Airports Authority says for the first time since the pandemic began, emergency responders took part in an in-person security exercise involving 300 volunteers playing the part of protesters, blocking an access road and testing the response to a security breach.

Members of the Peel Regional Police force and Transport Canada were also part of the mock exercise.

“I’m very happy with the way our employees and partners responded to this exercise, working together to maintain safety and security,” said GTAA CEO Craig Bradbrook. “We also learned many valuable lessons that can be used as we strive for continuous improvement in our emergency response with the safety and security of everyone at the airport top of mind.”

The Greater Toronto Airports Authority says it will be conducting a full scale emergency exercise at Pearson airport for a few hours on Saturday, May 28, 2022. (David Piedra/CityNews Toronto)

The GTAA typically runs one full scale and one tabletop exercise per year to test protocols, procedures, communications and planning for emergency and/or security related incidents. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Transport Canada provided an exemption and full scale emergency exercises were not held in 2020 or 2021.