Montreal Metropolitan Airport Opens as Second Commercial Hub for Montrealers

Montreal Metropolitan Airport Opens to Commercial Traffic This Week

On Monday, Montrealers gained access to a second commercial airport when the new passenger terminal at Montreal Metropolitan Airport opened for scheduled flights. The CBC News video released that day highlighted how travellers can now choose between Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport and the facility in Longueuil, marking a significant shift in regional air travel options. The terminal, located in the Saint-Hubert borough, welcomed its first passengers on June 15, 2026, with Porter Airlines operating the inaugural departures.

The opening ceremony featured local officials and airline executives who emphasised the airport’s capacity to handle up to four million passengers annually. IATA code MET and ICAO code CYHU were formally activated for commercial operations, allowing seamless integration into national booking systems. Photographers Christopher Katsarov and Graham Hughes captured images of the first aircraft movements for The Canadian Press, documenting the historic transition from a training and cargo facility to a full passenger hub.

Staff completed final safety inspections over the weekend, ensuring all gates, security checkpoints, and baggage systems met Transport Canada standards. The launch represents years of infrastructure upgrades that transformed the former St-Hubert Airport into a modern facility capable of supporting narrow-body jets on routes across Canada. Early passenger feedback praised the streamlined check-in process and reduced congestion compared with the larger Trudeau airport.

St-Hubert Airport’s Rich Aviation Legacy Since 1927

St-Hubert Airport, now rebranded as Montreal Metropolitan Airport, stands as one of Canada’s oldest continuously operating aviation sites, having opened its doors in 1927. Originally established as a grass airfield, it quickly became a vital training centre for pilots during the interwar period and later served as a Royal Canadian Air Force base during the Second World War. The site hosted countless flight schools and maintenance operations that helped shape Canadian aviation expertise for nearly a century.

Throughout the postwar decades, the airport focused primarily on general aviation, pilot training, and cargo operations rather than scheduled passenger services. Its location on Montreal’s South Shore provided convenient access for flight schools and corporate aircraft while avoiding the congestion of the main international airport. Many generations of Canadian pilots earned their wings at the facility, contributing to its reputation as a cornerstone of regional aviation heritage.

Before the recent redevelopment, the airport handled limited commercial cargo flights and remained an important alternate landing site for aircraft experiencing issues at Trudeau. The 2026 transformation into MET preserved several historic hangars while adding a modern terminal, honouring its legacy while meeting contemporary passenger demands. Local aviation enthusiasts organised tours during the opening week to showcase the preserved artefacts from its early decades.

Porter Airlines Launches 138 Weekly Flights from MET

Porter Airlines, Canada’s third-largest carrier, commenced operations at Montreal Metropolitan Airport with 138 weekly flights serving eleven Canadian destinations. The schedule includes multiple daily services to Vancouver, Calgary, and Toronto, alongside routes to Ottawa, Quebec City, Halifax, and other major centres. This extensive network positions MET as a convenient alternative for travellers seeking direct connections without navigating the larger Trudeau facility.

The airline committed a half-billion-dollar investment to support the launch, including new aircraft allocations and terminal infrastructure tailored to its fleet. Porter’s decision to base crews and operations at MET reflects confidence in strong demand from South Shore residents and business travellers. Flight schedules were designed to offer morning and evening departures that align with typical work and leisure patterns across the country.

Passengers boarding the first flights received commemorative boarding passes marking the historic occasion. Porter’s distinctive livery on the tarmac symbolised the carrier’s strategic expansion beyond its traditional Toronto and Ottawa bases. Analysts noted that the 138 weekly movements represent a substantial increase in seat capacity for the Montreal market, providing immediate competition on key domestic corridors.

Economic Boost from Half-Billion-Dollar Airport Investment

The redevelopment of Montreal Metropolitan Airport has generated significant economic activity through Porter Airlines’ half-billion-dollar commitment and associated construction projects. Hundreds of new jobs have been created in terminal operations, ground handling, security, and retail, with additional employment expected in hospitality and transportation services surrounding the facility. Longueuil officials project that the airport will contribute tens of millions of dollars annually to the local economy once full capacity is reached.

Construction of the passenger terminal and supporting infrastructure employed local contractors and suppliers, injecting immediate spending into the South Shore construction sector. The airport authority has also partnered with educational institutions to develop training programmes for future aviation workers, ensuring a skilled labour pool for ongoing operations. These initiatives align with Quebec’s broader goals of strengthening regional economic hubs outside central Montreal.

Property values near the airport have already shown modest increases as businesses anticipate growth in passenger traffic. Cargo operators are exploring opportunities to expand services alongside passenger flights, further diversifying revenue streams. Economists emphasise that MET’s four-million-passenger capacity provides substantial headroom for future growth without the land constraints faced by other urban airports.

Porter Challenges Air Canada and WestJet in Domestic Market

The arrival of Porter Airlines at Montreal Metropolitan Airport intensifies competition among Canada’s major carriers on domestic routes. Air Canada, the country’s largest airline, and WestJet, its closest rival, now face a determined third player offering competitive fares and convenient South Shore access. Industry observers expect fare pressure on routes to Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver as all three carriers vie for market share.

Porter’s strategy emphasises customer service and modern aircraft, differentiating its product from legacy carriers while maintaining competitive pricing. The carrier’s decision to serve eleven destinations from MET allows it to capture connecting traffic that previously routed through Toronto or Ottawa. This network approach challenges Air Canada’s traditional dominance at Trudeau and forces WestJet to defend its western Canadian routes more aggressively.

Analysts predict that increased competition will benefit consumers through more flight choices and promotional fares in the coming months. Porter’s half-billion-dollar investment signals long-term commitment, reducing the likelihood of quick withdrawal from the market. Regulators are monitoring capacity additions to ensure sustainable competition without destabilising any carrier’s finances.

Montreal Joins Toronto and Vancouver with Dual-Airport Systems

With the opening of Montreal Metropolitan Airport, Montreal now joins Toronto and Vancouver in operating a two-airport commercial system. Toronto’s Pearson International Airport handles the majority of international traffic while Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport serves regional routes, a model that has proven successful for balancing capacity and convenience. Vancouver similarly distributes flights between its main international terminal and smaller regional facilities.

Montreal’s configuration places MET across the St. Lawrence River in Longueuil, offering geographic balance similar to Toronto’s waterfront airport. This setup allows travellers to select the facility that minimises ground travel time, reducing overall journey duration for many South Shore residents. The parallel with established Canadian models provides reassurance that dual-airport operations can function efficiently when supported by strong ground transportation links.

Transport Canada has studied these precedents to develop operational guidelines for MET, ensuring safety and efficiency standards match those at Pearson and Vancouver International. The experience gained from managing multiple airports in other cities will help Montreal avoid common pitfalls during the initial ramp-up period. Officials expect the two-airport system to enhance the city’s overall aviation resilience.

Strong Ground Transportation Links Serve New Airport

Montreal Metropolitan Airport benefits from excellent connectivity via the Réseau express métropolitain (REM), the Champlain Bridge, Highway 30, and several tunnels linking the South Shore to downtown Montreal. These routes allow passengers to reach the terminal in under thirty minutes from many central neighbourhoods during off-peak hours. Frequent bus services and planned REM extensions will further improve public transit access in the coming years.

Highway 30 provides a direct bypass around Montreal for travellers arriving from the east or west, reducing reliance on congested downtown corridors. The Champlain Bridge corridor offers multiple lanes and dedicated bus lanes that speed commuter and airport traffic alike. Parking facilities at MET were designed with future expansion in mind, accommodating both short-term and long-term travellers.

Transportation planners coordinated with airport authorities to synchronise traffic signals and signage, minimising delays for arriving and departing passengers. Ride-sharing services have already established dedicated pickup zones, while taxi stands operate under regulated pricing. These integrated connections position MET as a genuinely convenient alternative rather than an isolated facility.

Passenger Benefits Include Competitive Fares and Convenience

Travellers using Montreal Metropolitan Airport enjoy shorter security lines, easier parking, and competitive fares driven by Porter Airlines’ market entry. South Shore residents particularly benefit from avoiding the Champlain Bridge crossing during peak periods, saving both time and stress. The terminal’s modern design incorporates ample seating, charging stations, and local food options that enhance the overall passenger experience.

Pricing competition has already produced promotional fares on several routes, with Porter matching or undercutting existing carriers on popular corridors. Families and business travellers appreciate the reduced walking distances within the compact terminal compared with larger facilities. Early data indicates high load factors on inaugural flights, suggesting strong initial demand for the convenience offered by MET.

Accessibility features meet the latest Canadian standards, including clear wayfinding and assistance services for passengers with reduced mobility. The airport authority has committed to regular passenger surveys to identify and address service gaps quickly. These passenger-centric measures aim to build loyalty among travellers who previously had no choice but to use Trudeau.

Quebec Government and Tourism Officials Welcome MET Opening

The Quebec government issued a statement praising the opening of Montreal Metropolitan Airport as a catalyst for regional economic development and tourism growth. Tourisme Montréal highlighted the potential for increased visitor arrivals from western Canada, noting that direct flights to Vancouver and Calgary will make Montreal more accessible to leisure travellers. Aviation analysts described the launch as a positive step toward a more balanced national air transport network.

Local chambers of commerce organised networking events during opening week to connect businesses with new flight options. Political leaders from Longueuil emphasised job creation and improved connectivity for residents who previously faced long commutes to Trudeau. Industry commentators noted that the half-billion-dollar investment demonstrates private-sector confidence in Quebec’s aviation market.

Some analysts cautioned that success will depend on sustained marketing efforts and seamless ground transportation. Nevertheless, the prevailing sentiment among stakeholders remains optimistic about MET’s long-term contribution to Montreal’s status as a major Canadian gateway. Collaboration between government, tourism bodies, and the airline is expected to intensify in the months ahead.

Future Expansion Plans Position MET for Continued Growth

Airport officials have outlined phased expansion plans that could increase annual passenger capacity beyond the initial four million within the next decade. Additional gates, expanded apron space, and potential international route development are under consideration once domestic operations stabilise. Porter Airlines has signalled interest in adding more frequencies and new destinations as demand materialises.

Discussions with Transport Canada regarding customs and immigration facilities could eventually enable limited international services, further enhancing MET’s role. Environmental assessments for runway rehabilitation and noise mitigation measures are already underway to support sustainable growth. The airport authority aims to maintain strong relationships with neighbouring communities throughout the expansion process.

Long-term vision documents emphasise integration with regional transit improvements, including potential REM station enhancements. Stakeholders expect MET to evolve into a vital component of Montreal’s transportation ecosystem, complementing rather than competing with Trudeau. Continued monitoring of passenger volumes and airline performance will guide the pace of future investments.