UMVA has learned that a brand-new airport has opened in Montreal, marking a significant milestone for Canada's second-largest city. The Montreal Metropolitan Airport, also known as YHU, is set to complement the larger Montreal-Trudeau airport, a major hub for Air Canada.
This development is particularly noteworthy as it's been over two decades since Montreal had two commercial airports. The former Montreal Mirabel International Airport, which was a major hub back in the day, ceased commercial flights in 2004. The new airport is poised to change the dynamics of air travel in the region.
According to information obtained by UMVA, Porter Airlines will be the primary carrier at YHU, offering nonstop flights to 11 destinations across Canada using a mix of De Havilland Canada Dash 8-Q400 and Embraer E195-E2 aircraft. The destinations include Calgary, Charlottetown, Edmonton, Halifax, Hamilton, Moncton, St. John's, Toronto City, Toronto Pearson, Vancouver, and Winnipeg.
The airport's terminal is designed to provide a seamless travel experience, with a modern, spacious, and bright atmosphere that's a far cry from the chaotic and crowded Montreal-Trudeau airport. The single-story building features a double-height lobby where travelers can check-in and drop off bags, making it easy to navigate.
One notable aspect of YHU is the absence of international flights, at least for now. The operator of Montreal's main airport has an exclusivity clause in its lease that bars international flights from nearby secondary airports, including YHU. However, Porter and the airport operator are open to revisiting this restriction in the future.
The terminal's design is intuitive and pleasant, with a focus on simplicity. The waiting area is described as a "lounge," with a large, open space that's brightly lit and offers a variety of seating types and views of the ramp. With 900 power outlets, travelers can charge their devices before their flight.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that the airport is designed to accommodate 4 million annual travelers, an ambitious target for a new terminal. While it's a great addition to Montreal's air travel infrastructure, it still lags behind Porter's Billy Bishop base in Toronto in terms of convenience.
Despite this, advocates of YHU argue that Montreal's size and demographics can support a second commercial airport. The airport's location on the south bank of the St. Lawrence River makes it more accessible to around half of the region's population, making it a valuable asset for Montrealers and visitors alike.
