Reaction from the field
The Montreal Metropolitan Airport is set to undergo a significant transformation with the announcement that Porter Airlines will launch a dozen new routes starting June 15, 2026. This expansion is expected to enhance connectivity for travelers across Canada, providing vital links from coast to coast.
The new terminal at the airport, which was formerly known as Saint-Hubert Airport, will cover an impressive 21,000 square metres and feature nine boarding bridges. This development is part of a broader strategy to increase the airport’s capacity, which is designed to handle up to four million passengers each year.
Porter Airlines has committed over $400 million to the construction of the terminal, underscoring the airline’s confidence in the potential of the Montreal Metropolitan Airport as a key hub for air travel. The terminal will also host operations for Pascan Aviation, further diversifying the services available at the airport.
In addition to the new routes and terminal, the airport will offer approximately 138 flights per week, catering to the growing demand for air travel in the region. The waiting lounge will accommodate 900 seats, ensuring that passengers have a comfortable experience while they await their flights.
Michael Deluce, a representative from Porter Airlines, described the expansion as “Billy Bishop on steroids,” highlighting the ambitious nature of the project. This phrase reflects the airline’s intent to create a robust alternative to existing airport options in the area.
Charles Roberge, a spokesperson for YHU Infrastructure Partners, emphasized the importance of a multi-airport system, indicating that the development of the Montreal Metropolitan Airport is part of a larger vision for the region’s air travel infrastructure.
Opened in 1927, Saint-Hubert Airport is Canada’s oldest airport and has served as Montreal’s main airport for many years. The new terminal will incorporate contemporary nods to the historic visit of the R-100 airship in 1930, blending history with modern design.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact number of routes that will be launched and the specific destinations they will serve. As the opening date approaches, further announcements are expected, which will clarify the scope of the expansion and its implications for air travel in Montreal.
