Retail Meets Runway: A New Walkthrough Duty Free at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport
25/5/2026
25/5/2026
Toronto, ON – May 25, 2026 – As transborder travel continues to grow at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, Nieuport Aviation is pleased to announce the opening of a new walk through duty free store in the airport’s Transborder Lounge, developed in partnership with Dufry, part of global travel retailer Avolta.
Launched earlier this month, the newly renovated space features an expanded footprint, refreshed design, and broader product assortment, creating a seamless and engaging shopping experience for passengers travelling to the United States. Designed as a walkthrough retail environment, the store is integrated directly into the Transborder Lounge entrance, allowing all transborder passengers to browse and shop before departure.
The enhanced storeoffers an expanded selection of globally recognized and locally loved brands, including Canadian-made products, premium spirits, and travel essentials.
“As Billy BishopAirport continues to grow and welcome increased volumes of transborder travellers, this new walkthrough duty free represents a meaningful investment in the passenger experience,” said Katie Battiston, Chief Financial Officer, Nieuport Aviation. “We want our passengers to have an exceptional experience travelling through YTZ—and to take a little piece of Toronto with them through thoughtfully curated products. Partnering with global leaders like Dufry allows us to expand our retail offering while maintaining an integrated, quick journey from check-in to departure.”
Passengers can also take advantage of Dufry’s Reserve & Collect program, which allows travellers to shop online in advance, enjoy 20% savings as Club Avolta members, and pick up their purchases at the airport before boarding.
“The expanded walkthrough duty free at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is a great example of how thoughtful retail design can enhance the journey while meeting the evolving needs of travelers,” said Kate Herzig, Executive Vice President, DutyFree North America & Canada Retail Operations, Avolta. “By seamlessly integrating the store into the Transborder Lounge, broadening the assortment to include premium Canadian-made products, and introducing digital-forward features like Reserve & Collect, we’re making it easier for travelers to shop, discover, and enjoy added value before departure. We’re pleased to collaborate with Nieuport Aviation on a concept that supports growth while delivering a more connected and convenient retail experience.”
To celebrate the opening, Nieuport and Dufry hosted a launch event in the Transborder Lounge on May 21, featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony, product sampling, and an opportunity for passengers to experience the new space firsthand.
This expansion reflects Nieuport and Dufry’s shared commitment to delivering greater choice, convenience, and value while reinforcing Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport’s reputation as a premium, passenger-focused urban airport.