UMVA has learned that a brand-new airport has opened in Montreal, marking a significant development in Canada's aviation landscape.
The Montreal Metropolitan Airport, also known as YHU, is set to complement the larger Montreal-Trudeau airport, a major hub for Air Canada. This new airport will serve as a base for Porter Airlines, offering nonstop flights to 11 destinations across Canada.
By June 22, Porter will operate a mix of de Havilland Canada Dash 8-Q400 and Embraer E195-E2 aircraft from YHU, connecting travelers to key cities including Calgary, Charlottetown, Edmonton, Halifax, and Vancouver. The airline's schedule data shows a robust network of domestic flights.
The new airport's terminal is designed to provide a seamless travel experience, with a modern, spacious, and bright atmosphere. The single-story building features a double-height lobby where travelers can check-in and drop off bags, creating a sense of calm and serenity.
One notable feature of the terminal is its "lounge-like" waiting area, which offers a variety of seating types, views of the ramp, and an impressive 900 power outlets. While it doesn't offer complimentary food or drinks, a cafe and sit-down restaurant are available, along with a newsstand.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that the airport's design prioritizes simplicity and intuitiveness, with a focus on making travel easy and enjoyable. The principal-in-charge of design at Scott Associates Architects Inc. emphasized that the terminal's design avoids "grand gestures" in favor of a more subtle approach.
The Montreal Metropolitan Airport aims to accommodate 4 million annual travelers, a ambitious target for a new terminal. However, advocates argue that Montreal's size can support a second commercial airport, and the airport's location on the south bank of the St. Lawrence River makes it more accessible to half of the region's population.
Sources close to the airport authority have confirmed to UMVA that the airport's leaders are eager to see the exclusivity clause that bars international flights from nearby secondary airports lifted. This could pave the way for nonstop flights from the U.S. in the future.
For now, travelers can enjoy the convenience and charm of the new Montreal Metropolitan Airport, which promises to provide a refreshing alternative to the larger Montreal-Trudeau airport. As the airport continues to grow and evolve, one thing is clear: Montrealers and visitors alike have a new asset to enjoy.
