The Thunder Bay International Airports Authority (TBIAA) is pleased to announce a significant expansion of its passenger security screening facilities, delivered in collaboration with the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA). This investment will significantly enhance the passenger experience while supporting the airport’s long-term continued growth and operational resilience.
The project will modernize and expand the existing pre-board screening checkpoint, improving passenger flow, and efficiency, while ensuring the highest standards of aviation security are maintained. The expanded checkpoint will add a third screening line, to further increase overall screening capacity, and meaningfully improve the passenger experience during peak travel periods.
The project is being delivered using a Progressive Design-Build delivery model, an approach that enables early collaboration, risk management and schedule certainty, ensuring the project remains responsive to operational requirements. Construction will be led by Tom Jones Corporation, with Form Studio Architects providing design services, Keewatin Aski Ltd. serving as the Owner’s Representative, and overall project oversight for TBIAA led by TJ Ahvenniemi, Director of Facilities, Environment & Sustainability.
“This has been a long, collaborative process since the contract was awarded in June, and we’re proud of the project we’ve brought forward,” said TJ Ahvenniemi, Director of Facilities, Environment & Sustainability. “It directly improves the passenger experience while addressing capacity pressures as flight and passenger volumes continue to grow.”
“We value our ongoing collaboration with TBIAA as we work together to enhance security screening services for the travelling public”, said Rhoda Boyd, Director, Passenger Experience for CATSA “This project will increase screening capacity during peak travel periods, supporting a smoother flow through security for passengers travelling through Thunder Bay”.
Construction is scheduled to begin in mid January with completion targeted for June 2026. During the project, TBIAA and CATSA will work closely to minimize impacts on passengers and airport operations.
Thunder Bay International Airport remains committed to providing safe, secure, and welcoming air travel while supporting economic growth and connectivity for Northwestern Ontario and beyond.