Montreal Metropolitan Airport (YHU) New Terminal Opening: Trend Summary

What Happened

On March 23, 2026, airport officials and partners hosted a media tour to showcase the completed infrastructure of the new terminal at the Montreal Metropolitan Airport (MET), formerly known as Saint-Hubert Airport. This 21,000-square-meter terminal is the result of a significant partnership between the airport and Porter Airlines. The early bird catches the worm, as the airport aims to capture travelers looking for shorter wait times and closer proximity to the South Shore by launching services well ahead of the peak summer travel season.

Construction moved rapidly to meet the June 15 deadline, featuring nine boarding gates and high-tech automated security screening systems. The terminal is designed to handle up to 4 million passengers annually once fully operational. Officials confirmed that the facility will prioritize domestic Canadian flights initially, easing the congestion currently experienced at YUL.

Key Developments

The flight lineup for the new terminal is already taking shape. Porter Airlines has confirmed it will operate daily non-stop flights between Montreal Metropolitan Airport and several key destinations, including Toronto City (YTZ), Hamilton (YHM), and Charlottetown (YYG). Porter Airlines will offer daily Charlottetown-Montreal Metropolitan Airport flights starting this summer to accommodate seasonal tourism demand. Additionally, Pascan Aviation will continue its regional Quebec services from the new facility, ensuring connectivity to remote areas of the province. The terminal features local food and beverage partners, highlighting Quebecois brands to provide a unique sense of place for arriving travelers.

Why This Matters

The opening of a second commercial terminal is a major shift for Quebec's aviation landscape. For years, Montreal-Trudeau (YUL) has struggled with record passenger volumes and heavy road traffic. The Saint-Hubert location offers a 30-minute commute from downtown Montreal and serves the 2 million residents living on the South Shore. This competition is expected to improve regional service levels and provide more price options for domestic travelers. The project represents a $250 million investment in local infrastructure without government subsidies, signaling strong private sector confidence in the region's growth.

What Happens Next

The first commercial flight is scheduled to depart on the morning of June 15, 2026. Travelers can already book tickets through the Porter Airlines official website for routes departing from the new MET terminal. In the coming months, airport management plans to announce further retail partnerships and potential expansions of the flight network to include additional Eastern Canada destinations. Ground transportation improvements, including shuttle services to nearby REM or Metro stations, are also expected to be finalized before the June launch.

Key Terms & Concepts

MET / YHU

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) codes used to identify the Montreal Metropolitan Airport in Saint-Hubert.

Secondary Airport

An airport that serves as an alternative to a city's primary international hub, often focusing on domestic or low-cost carriers.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the new Montreal Metropolitan terminal open?
The terminal is officially scheduled to open for passenger service on June 15, 2026, following its media unveiling in March.

Which airlines fly out of Saint-Hubert MET airport?
Porter Airlines and Pascan Aviation are the primary carriers, with Porter offering new daily routes to Toronto, Hamilton, and Charlottetown.

Where is the Montreal Metropolitan Airport located?
The airport is located in Saint-Hubert on Montreal's South Shore, approximately 15 kilometers from the city center.

Can I fly internationally from the new MET terminal?
Currently, the terminal is focused on domestic Canadian flights. International travelers should still use Montreal-Trudeau (YUL) for overseas destinations.