Extreme heat can take a toll on ground crews at Toronto Pearson Airport

As hot as it is in Mississauga and other parts of southern Ontario caught in the grip of the latest heatwave, it’s even hotter — potentially dangerously so — on the ground at Canada’s biggest and busiest airport.

Officials at Toronto Pearson Airport in Mississauga said on Tuesday afternoon the potentially record-breaking heat has them recognizing the efforts of airline ground handlers, apron workers “and all crews whose dedication keeps people and planes moving and operations running smoothly across more than 1,000 scheduled flights today.”

Environment Canada pegged afternoon temperatures in the area at 36 C with a feels-like temperature of 45 C. At ground level at the airport, those numbers can rise significantly to create even more dangerous conditions for people.

Pearson officials say precautions are always taken in such weather conditions to ensure workers who load and unload aircraft, in addition to those performing other tasks on the apron and airfield, remain safe.

And they also keep an eye out for travellers.

“For passengers travelling through the terminal, beat the heat and stay hydrated by bringing an empty water bottle or other beverage container in your carry-on baggage. Once you’re past security, there are water refill stations throughout the terminal, free for all passengers,” Pearson officials said in a post to social media.

Early Tuesday morning, airport officials said they were preparing for “a scorching day” in which some 137,409 travellers were expected to pass through Pearson.

Those travellers were arriving on or departing on 1,023 scheduled flights — including 517 arrivals from 45 countries and 506 departures to 43 countries.

“Airport operations will continue throughout the heat, with outdoor teams keeping aircraft moving while working safely and following heat protocols that include regular breaks and hydration,” Pearson officials said on Tuesday morning.

(Photos of airport workers: Toronto Pearson Airport X)