Pearson airport to conduct late-night simulated bomb threat exercise

Toronto Pearson airport officials are advising the public they will see flashing lights and people who appear injured in and around one of its terminals on Saturday night.

It’s all part of a federally mandated security exercise that will take place from 11:30 p.m. to 3 a.m. in Terminal 1. Approximately 300 people are taking part in the exercise including volunteers, Peel Regional Police, Toronto Pearson Fire emergency services, and Air Canada.

“This year we’re simulating our response to an explosion happening in the terminal,” explained Pearson Airport spokesperson Sean Davidson.

“This is really to put our responses and emergency services response under scrutiny to make sure we’re prepared for any emergencies that happen. We look at this and break it down to make sure that we’re prepared for a potential emergency in the future.”

While the exercise is not expected to create any delays or cancellations, airport officials cautioned passengers may notice more emergency services and airport personnel and to be prepared for “potential disruptions.”

The Greater Toronto Airports Authority typically runs one full-scale exercise per year. Last May, they staged a simulated plane crash which involved 400 volunteers.