en.Wedoany.com Reported - Montreal, Canada, is advancing a new dual-airport system, aiming to learn from the failure of Mirabel Airport in 1975. On June 15, 2026, Montreal Metropolitan Airport (YHU, formerly Saint-Hubert Airport) will inaugurate a new commercial terminal costing CAD 450 million, designed for an annual capacity of 4 million passengers. The project is supported by Porter Airlines, Macquarie Asset Management, and the Canada Infrastructure Bank, with the goal of alleviating pressure on Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL).
When Mirabel Airport opened in 1975, it was positioned as an international gateway capable of handling tens of millions of passengers, intended to replace Montreal's existing airport. However, due to its location approximately 55 kilometers (34 miles) from downtown Montreal and the lack of a promised rapid transit connection, travelers found the airport too remote and failed to embrace it. Airlines were forced to split operations between Mirabel and Dorval Airport, leading to confusion and inefficiency. Passenger services eventually ceased entirely, making Mirabel a costly cautionary tale in airport planning.
YHU has adopted a strategy completely opposite to Mirabel's. Instead of building a mega-airport far from the city center, the project utilizes an existing airport on Montreal's South Shore, about 15 kilometers (9 miles) from downtown. The new terminal spans 226,000 square feet (21,000 square meters), featuring 9 boarding bridges, a 900-seat passenger lounge, and a daily processing capacity of 15,000 passengers during peak hours. Airport management emphasizes that its goal is to complement Trudeau Airport, not replace it, allowing YHU to serve a different role rather than directly competing for the same passengers.
Porter Airlines is the primary driving force behind YHU's launch. The carrier will serve as the airport's base airline, planning to operate 138 weekly flights to 12 domestic destinations. Initial operations will include Embraer E195-E2 jets, seating 132 passengers, and Bombardier Dash 8-400 turboprops, catering to different route segments. Porter's initial strategy focuses entirely on domestic routes, aiming to target market segments where convenience is paramount, reducing risk and gradually building a customer base.
The total cost of the new terminal project is approximately USD 330 million (CAD 450 million), making it one of the largest privately supported airport development projects in recent Canadian aviation history. About USD 22 million (CAD 30 million) is allocated for airport improvements. Funding primarily comes from YHU Infrastructure Partners, a joint venture between Porter Aviation Holdings and Macquarie Asset Management, with a USD 66 million (CAD 90 million) loan from the Canada Infrastructure Bank. With private investors bearing the majority of capital risk, the project places a high priority on efficiency, customer experience, and sustainable growth.
The YHU terminal is designed around the principles of speed, convenience, and simplicity, aiming to redefine the airport experience. Operators suggest that passengers may only need to arrive 30 minutes before boarding to complete all procedures. The new terminal minimizes walking distances, streamlines security processes, and features an intuitive layout to efficiently move passengers from curb to gate. By starting with domestic operations, the airport avoids delays caused by international processing requirements such as customs and security.
The success of YHU will depend on passenger behavior and long-term airline commitment. The airport positions itself as a complementary facility, absorbing some domestic demand and offering an alternative for travelers prioritizing efficiency and convenience. If passengers embrace this model and Porter expands its network as planned, Montreal could achieve a balanced dual-airport system.
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