A new technology has been installed at Toronto Pearson to help speed up the movement of travelers "better and faster" through the airport.

According to the Canadian Border Services Agency, electronic gates, known as eGates, have now been installed and are being tested at the airport as part of the trial.

The Canadian Border Services Agency said in an Instagram post: "We are developing and testing new digital tools and technologies to provide a better and faster travel experience for travelers arriving at Canadian airports."

The electronic gates will be used to verify travelers' identity and submit their customs and immigration declaration.

When travelers arrive at the eGates, they will scan their travel documents electronically on the device. The device will then take a photo of the traveler before printing a confirmation receipt.

Afterwards, the traveler will hand this receipt to the border officer.

On the same topic, the Canadian Border Services Agency said it hopes these gates will help improve traffic flow through customs halls.

Currently, the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) said the electronic gates will be available for international travelers aged 16 and older, at Terminal 1.

On the other hand, Toronto Pearson Airport has experienced a huge crisis recently caused by staff shortages and a surge of eager travelers following the pandemic.

Nearly half a million travelers arriving on international flights at Toronto Pearson were detained and delayed in May.

About 490,810 travelers, or about half of the international arrivals, faced delays as they were held on their planes on the tarmac for hours to ease pressure on crowded customs areas, according to figures provided by the Greater Toronto Airports Authority.

In total, about 2,700 incoming flights from abroad were delayed at Pearson last month, compared to four flights – and a few hundred passengers – in May 2019.

According to current recommendations, travelers are asked to arrive at Toronto Pearson two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights.

Editor: Dima Abu Khair