Porter Launches 12 Routes From Montreal’s New Metropolitan Airport

A major new chapter in Canadian aviation is underway as Porter Airlines prepares to launch 12 new routes from the newly redeveloped Montreal Metropolitan Airport — marking the return of scheduled passenger flights to one of the country’s most historic airfields.

Formerly known as Montréal Saint-Hubert Airport (YHU), the airport has been transformed with a brand-new passenger terminal and a renewed focus on commercial aviation. For aviation enthusiasts and plane spotters, it represents both a revival of the past and an exciting new opportunity to see a growing mix of aircraft and operations.

The New Montreal Metropolitan Airport

Rebranded as “MET” in recent years, the airport is now positioning itself as Montreal’s second commercial airport, complementing the much larger Trudeau International.

The biggest change is the construction of a new passenger terminal, which opened in 2026 and is designed to handle up to 4 million passengers annually. It is located on a new site at the eastern edge of the airport, with new car park and hotel.

The terminal has been designed with:

• A compact layout for faster “curb-to-gate” journeys
• Modern passenger facilities and Quebec-based retail
• Improved access via shuttle links to the Montreal Metro

This redevelopment marks the return of scheduled airline services after decades, transforming the airport from a general aviation field into a growing commercial hub.

A Historic Airport Reborn

A Beech 18 on display outside the National School of Aeronautics at Montreal Metropolitan.

Few airports in Canada have a history as rich as Montreal Metropolitan Airport. Originally opened in 1927, it was once Montreal’s main airport before commercial traffic shifted to Dorval (now Montréal–Trudeau) during the Second World War.

Over the decades, the airport evolved into a multi-purpose aviation hub, serving as:

• A military base
• A training centre
• A base for aerospace companies
• A busy general aviation airport

It was also the site of several important milestones, including Canada’s first air traffic control tower in 1939.

Despite its long history, scheduled passenger flights had largely disappeared — until now.

Porter Airlines Leads The Way

Launching operations on June 15, 2026, Porter Airlines will be the first airline to operate from the new terminal, introducing 12 nonstop routes across Canada.

Destinations include:

• Toronto (City and Pearson)
• Vancouver
• Calgary
• Edmonton
• Halifax
• Québec City
• Winnipeg
• St. John’s
• Moncton, Charlottetown and Hamilton

This represents a major expansion in Montreal capacity for Porter, with the airline significantly increasing its presence in the region.

Flights will be operated using a mix of:

• De Havilland Dash 8-400 turboprops
• Embraer E195-E2 jets

This combination offers an interesting variety for aviation enthusiasts, particularly as Porter’s modern E2 jets become more common across Canada.

Airport Layout & Operations

Noahthepilot, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Montreal Metropolitan Airport features three runways, including a main runway of over 7,800 feet, capable of handling larger narrowbody aircraft.

The airfield is located just 15km from downtown Montreal, making it far more accessible than many secondary airports.

Operationally, the airport has traditionally been dominated by:

• General aviation
• Flight training
• Business aviation
• Aerospace industry activity

In addition to Porter, Montreal sees scheduled services from Pascan Aviation and their Saab 340 fleet; the carrier also has a maintenance base at the airport.

With Porter’s arrival, it will now see a growing number of scheduled commercial movements, adding a new dynamic to the airport’s traffic mix.

Spotting Opportunities at MET

For plane spotters, Montreal Metropolitan Airport offers a very different experience compared with major international hubs.

The airport is surrounded by public roads along much of its perimeter, allowing for a variety of viewing angles. Much of the general aviation activity takes place on the southern side, where apron views can often be seen through or over perimeter fencing.

There is a military base in the western side of the airport, and the National School of Aerotechnics occupies a site to the north. Their facility includes a Bombardier CSeries (Airbus A220) prototype aircraft, and a Beech 18 gate guardian.

Close to the new passenger terminal is the Pascan Aviation hangar and some derelict Jetstream airframes.

What makes the airport particularly appealing is:

• Its close proximity to aircraft movements
• A mix of regional airliners, turboprops and business jets
• Relatively low congestion compared with major airports

Unlike larger airports, there are no formal spotting areas, but its open layout makes it accessible for those willing to explore.

A New Airport For A New Era

The redevelopment of Montreal Metropolitan Airport reflects a growing trend seen in cities around the world — the use of secondary airports to complement major hubs.

With Porter Airlines leading the way, the airport is set to become a key domestic gateway, offering faster journeys and increased connectivity for Montreal passengers.

Would you visit Montreal Metropolitan Airport for spotting — or stick with Trudeau?