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Downsview Airport

Downsview Airport was an airport in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, formerly identified by the IATA code YZD and ICAO code CYZD.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Downsview Airport was an airport in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, formerly identified by IATA code YZD and ICAO code CYZD. It began as an airfield and military base, later becoming a Bombardier Aerospace testing facility. Bombardier sold the site in 2018, and industrial and airport operations were slated to close by mid-2024 as redevelopment plans advanced.

History

Downsview Airport originated as an airfield and later served as a military base in Toronto. The site was located in northwest Toronto, in the Downsview area. It was subsequently used by Bombardier Aerospace as a testing facility from 1994.

Operations

The airport was identified with the codes YZD and CYZD. It was closely associated with aerospace manufacturing and testing rather than regular public passenger service.

Sale and closure

In 2018, Bombardier sold the facility to Northcrest Developments, a subsidiary of the Public Sector Pension Investment Board. By late 2023, Northcrest said industrial and airport operations would end by mid-2024.

Redevelopment

The former airport site is planned for redevelopment into a mixed-use district. The project has been branded YZD, using the former airport call sign.

Key facts

  • The site was located in northwest Toronto, in the Downsview area.
  • It was formerly used as an airfield and then as a military base.
  • Bombardier used the airport as a testing facility beginning in 1994.
  • Bombardier sold the property in 2018 to Northcrest Developments.
  • The site is being redeveloped into commercial and residential uses under the YZD project name.
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Canadian context

Downsview Airport was part of Toronto's aviation and aerospace history and is now a major redevelopment site in one of Canada's largest cities.

Frequently asked questions

What was Downsview Airport?
Downsview Airport was a former airport in Toronto, Ontario, that later served as a Bombardier Aerospace testing facility.
What were its airport codes?
Its former IATA code was YZD and its ICAO code was CYZD.
Who owned the site before redevelopment?
Bombardier sold the property in 2018 to Northcrest Developments, a subsidiary of the Public Sector Pension Investment Board.
Is Downsview Airport still operating?
No. It is described as a defunct airport, with industrial and airport operations planned to close by mid-2024.
What is happening to the site now?
The property is being redeveloped into commercial and residential uses under the YZD project.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Downsview_Airport
    Supports: Former airport status, location in Toronto, airport codes, Bombardier use, sale in 2018, and redevelopment status
  2. CBC News — https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/bombardier-downsview-airport-for-sale-1.4486212
    Supports: Bombardier putting the Downsview property up for sale
  3. CNN — https://www.cnn.com/travel/toronto-downsview-airport-yzd-c2e-spc
    Supports: Historical overview and closure/redevelopment into YZD
  4. YZD — https://www.yzd.ca/
    Supports: Current redevelopment branding and mixed-use future plans