Major transformation at Montréal’s airport is taking flight
Airport Airport and West Island
YUL Montréal-Trudeau International Airport is getting a major makeover on the way to building the airport of the future. We are entering a pivotal, and essential, period in the evolution of air travel in Montréal, and while construction will inevitably cause some disruption to the normal operations of the airport, significant efforts are being made to minimize the impact. Read on to find out more about the ambitious, transformational plans for this world-class flight hub, as well as the measures being implemented to keep your travel experience as seamless as possible.
Destination 2028
Piece by large piece, YUL Montréal-Trudeau International Airport is implementing its Flight Plan 2028-2035 with the purpose of creating a more connected and accessible YUL to better serve its users. On the agenda between now and 2028 is the construction of a new multi-level parking lot that will provide an additional 2,800 nearby parking spaces, as well as augmenting remote parking capacity. Construction of new pick-up and drop-off areas, and the redevelopment of the road network leading into the airport, will allow capacity to triple.
Excitingly, by 2027, the city’s new Réseau express métropolitain (REM) rapid, light-rail public transportation service will be operational all the way from downtown and surrounding boroughs with the completion of its station at the airport. There will also be the addition of a new jetty to support carriers’ needs for more satellite boarding gates.
Jetting towards 2035
By 2035, YUL Montréal-Trudeau International Airport’s plan will culminate with the completion of additional drop-off areas and parking facilities, as well as the extension of the terminal façade. The construction of another nearby multi-level parking structure will add upwards of 6,000 parking spaces, while the extension of the terminal façade will provide an additional 20,000 square metres for passenger services.
YUL airport pro tips
Plan your arrival: With the commencement of construction, it’s advised that you arrive at the airport three hours before your flight departs, regardless of your destination, to complete the pre-boarding process. Whether you are coming or going, numerous transportation services are available, including buses, taxis, carpooling, car rentals, shuttles, limousines, trains and bikes.
Express drop-off and pickup-up zones: If you are dropping off or picking someone up at the airport, avoid getting caught in traffic congestion by taking advantage of the express drop-off and pick-up zones. They’re located in parking lots P4 and P10, and are accessible from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week. The drop-offs are served by a frequent free shuttle service with a dedicated route, which connects door 11 on the terminal's departure level to parking lot P4 in just 5 minutes. So, before you leave or exit the airport, be sure to consult the YUL transit planner to determine which option is best for you.
Parking perks: Enjoy 40 minutes of complimentary parking at most YUL parking facilities (excluding ValetParc, HotelParc and short-term parking). If you don't want to drive in circles waiting for a passenger, you can also park for free at CellParc for two hours.
Getting around and roadwork: While most of the major roadwork on Montréal highways between the airport and downtown has been completed in recent years, you can take steps to avoid surprises. Plan your trips to and from the airport by consulting Québec 511 and Mobility Montréal. Mobility Montréal is a one-stop shop that not only provides detailed info regarding major road closures and roadwork, but it’s also your portal for getting details about using the metro (subway), taking the bus, the REM car-sharing, BIXI bike rentals and more.
To stay up to date with all of YUL Montréal-Trudeau International Airport’s travel tips during this vital construction period, and to obtain further information about easy transportation solutions and other travel tips, please visit yul.com.
Bon voyage!
Jamie O'Meara
Jamie O'Meara was the Editor-in-Chief at C2 Montréal and the former Editor-in-Chief of alt-weekly newspaper HOUR Magazine.