Canada will reduce rents at federally owned airports by more than 60 percent to relieve the pressure on operators and help cut air fares, Transport Minister Jean Lapierre said on Monday.

Lapierre told reporters the move would save operators close to CAD$8 billion (USD$6.46 billion) over the course of their existing 60 year leases. Airport operators have long complained that high rents force them to charge airlines expensive landing fees.

"It is anticipated that significant portions of the savings from present and future rent reductions will translate into lower air fares for passengers," Lapierre's ministry said in a statement.

Nine of Canada's 21 main airports currently pay rent, including Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver. Four more are due to start paying rent next year with the rest following in the years to come.

The CAD$13 billion (USD$10.5 billion) the airports were due to pay over the 50 years remaining on the leases will be cut to CAD$5 billion (USD$4.04 billion). The rent for Toronto's Pearson Airport alone will fall to CAD$3 billion (USD$2.42 billion) from CAD$8 billion (USD$6.46 billion).

"The government expects airport authorities to pass on savings through fee reductions," the transport ministry said.