Late-night simulated bomb threat exercise held at Toronto Pearson airport

Toronto Pearson International Airport officials held a late-night bomb threat training exercise at one of its terminals Saturday night.

It was all part of a federally mandated security exercise and it took place between 11:30 p.m. on Saturday and 3 a.m. on Sunday in Terminal 1. Approximately 300 people were set to take 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 ahead of time.

“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.”

Officials warned the public that they would see flashing lights and people who appeared injured in and around the terminal.

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.