CATSA News Release

For immediate release

December 20, 2004

CATSA Clarifies Cause for Delays at Toronto's Pearson International Airport

OTTAWA ( Ontario ) - The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) today clarified the cause of Saturday's delays at Toronto's Pearson International Airport's pre-board screening checkpoints.

Although CATSA had made preparations for increased passenger flow over the past weekend, some unscheduled charter flights caused significant delays on Saturday morning. In addition, this being the holiday season, many passengers were carrying wrapped gifts which had to be unwrapped in order to be properly screened. There were a large number of prohibited items intercepted at the screening point and a few medical emergencies also slowed down the screening process.

"We regret any inconvenience that the travelling public faced on Saturday and encourage travellers to visit our website at www.catsa.gc.ca to find tips on how to help speed up the process during this holiday travel period."

The screening operations have returned to normal and are now expected to flow smoothly over the holiday season.

A Crown corporation based in the National Capital Region, CATSA reports to Parliament through the Minister of Transport and is responsible for passenger and baggage screening at airports across Canada according to the standards established by federal regulations.

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For more information, please contact:
Hélène Branch (613) 990-7715