Montreal’s new airport feels more like a lounge than a terminal – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Unsplash)
Montreal now has a second commercial airport after more than two decades without one. Porter Airlines and Pascan Aviation opened the MET-Montreal Metropolitan Airport, known as YHU, on June 15 with an inaugural flight to Vancouver. The facility sits about 10 miles east of downtown and aims to give travelers a calmer alternative to the larger Montreal-Trudeau International Airport.
Practical Relief for Regional Travelers
The new airport addresses crowding and delays at Trudeau, which serves as the main hub for Air Canada. Porter executives noted that operating from two Montreal airports provides greater schedule flexibility for passengers flying within Canada. The location on the south bank of the St. Lawrence River also improves access for roughly half the region’s population compared with the existing gateway.
Advocates pointed out that a city the size of Montreal can support multiple airports without straining infrastructure. The terminal itself was built to handle up to 4 million passengers a year, though initial operations remain modest. Travelers can reach the facility by road in roughly the same time it takes to reach Trudeau, depending on traffic and starting point.
Terminal Design Emphasizes Calm and Clarity
The single-story building features an airy, double-height lobby that leads passengers directly from check-in through security and into a spacious departures area. Designers avoided dramatic architectural statements in favor of intuitive flow and natural light. The post-security space includes varied seating, ramp views, and 900 power outlets for device charging.
Both Porter CEO Michael Deluce and lead architect David Scott described the waiting area as a lounge rather than a traditional terminal. Scott explained that the goal was simplicity and ease of use instead of spectacle. A cafe operates now, and a sit-down restaurant is under construction, along with a basic newsstand for last-minute items.
Current Routes and Service Limits
Porter plans nonstop flights from YHU to 11 Canadian cities using Dash 8-Q400 and Embraer E195-E2 aircraft. Destinations include major centers such as Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, and Halifax, plus several smaller markets. Pascan Aviation adds four additional regional routes.
International flights remain unavailable for now. An exclusivity clause tied to the main airport’s lease prevents secondary facilities from offering them. Porter and airport officials have signaled interest in revisiting the restriction once the new terminal gains community support and usage data.
Looking Beyond the Opening
The project revives a model Porter tested successfully at Toronto’s Billy Bishop City Airport more than a decade ago. Officials expect the quieter atmosphere and convenient location to attract both business and leisure passengers who prefer avoiding larger hubs. Early feedback has focused on the terminal’s brightness and lack of typical airport congestion.
Whether YHU grows into a true second gateway will depend on regulatory changes, passenger adoption, and future airline decisions. For now, it offers a distinct travel option within Canada that prioritizes comfort over scale.
