The new Montreal Metropolitan Airport (MET) officially opened to commercial passengers on 15 June 2026, marking the launch of a secondary airport for the Greater Montreal region and the start of operations at the new YHU passenger terminal.
The milestone was celebrated with a traditional water-cannon salute for the inaugural Porter Airlines flight from MET to Vancouver, as well as a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by local and provincial officials.
A second airport for Greater Montreal
Located at Saint-Hubert on Montreal’s South Shore, MET is designed to complement Montréal–Trudeau International Airport by handling commercial traffic operated with single-aisle aircraft and providing additional capacity for the region’s growing air travel market.
Airport officials say the new facility aims to offer:
- Faster and simpler passenger processing.
- Additional airline capacity for the Montreal market.
- Improved regional and domestic connectivity.
- New economic and tourism opportunities for Quebec.
Porter launches 11 routes
Porter Airlines is the first major carrier to operate from the new terminal and is launching 11 routes from MET. The airport will also benefit from an expanded partnership between Porter and Pascan Aviation, strengthening links between major Canadian cities and Quebec’s regional communities.
Community-focused development
Local authorities highlighted measures introduced to address community concerns, including:
- A ban on overnight flights.
- Regulated operating hours.
- Air-quality monitoring systems.
- Road improvements valued at C$8.2 million funded by the project developers.
The city also expects the airport to generate more than C$6 million annually in property tax revenues while supporting the region’s aerospace sector and broader economic development.
Strategic significance
The new terminal is operated by YHU Infrastructure Partners, a joint venture between Porter Aviation Holdings and Macquarie Asset Management.
For Montreal, the opening represents the creation of a true two-airport system, similar to those found in many major metropolitan areas worldwide. Airport and government officials believe the new facility will enhance connectivity, stimulate tourism, support business growth, and strengthen Quebec’s position as a major aerospace hub.