Montreal Metropolitan Airport Debuts with Porter Airlines’ Massive 11-Route Expansion, Creating a New Gateway for Canadian Travel: What Should Travellers Know?

Written By: Abhirup Gan

Abhirup Gan

I'm Abhirup Gan, a Mass Communication graduate and digital marketing professional. Driven by a passion for storytelling, I create insightful, research-led content that explores tourism trends, destination stories, and hospitality developments with depth and clarity. Through my writing, I hope to inspire readers to discover not only where to travel, but the stories, cultures, and experiences that make every journey meaningful.

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June 25, 2026 6:07 PM

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Montreal is entering a new chapter in Canadian aviation as Porter Airlines becomes the first commercial carrier to operate from the newly opened Montreal Metropolitan Airport. The airport, formerly known as Montreal Saint-Hubert Airport, officially welcomed commercial passenger services on 15 June 2026, with Porter’s inaugural flight to Vancouver marking the beginning of regular airline operations from the new passenger terminal.

The launch introduces a significant alternative to Montréal–Trudeau International Airport by creating a second commercial airport for the Montreal region. Porter Airlines is simultaneously rolling out 11 domestic routes, connecting Quebec with major cities across Canada while expanding travel options for business travellers, holidaymakers and passengers visiting friends and relatives.

Montreal Metropolitan Airport Begins Commercial Operations

The opening of Montreal Metropolitan Airport represents one of Canada’s most significant recent airport developments.

Previously known as Montreal Saint-Hubert Airport, the facility has now transitioned into a commercial passenger airport with the inauguration of its modern terminal.

Commercial services officially commenced on 15 June 2026, with Porter Airlines becoming the airport’s launch carrier.

The new airport expands aviation capacity for Greater Montreal while offering travellers an additional departure and arrival point within the metropolitan region.

Porter Airlines Leads the Airport’s Growth

Porter Airlines is anchoring operations at the new airport with an ambitious domestic expansion.

The airline is introducing 11 destinations, establishing Montreal Metropolitan Airport as an important base within its growing Canadian network.

Rather than launching only a handful of services, Porter is immediately offering flights across Eastern and Western Canada, providing travellers with a wide range of direct domestic options.

The strategy reflects the airline’s continued expansion following the growth of its Embraer E195-E2 fleet and its broader national network.

Eleven Canadian Destinations Join the Network

Passengers departing from Montreal Metropolitan Airport can now travel directly to a broad range of destinations.

The initial route network includes:

• Toronto Pearson
• Billy Bishop Toronto City
• Vancouver
• Edmonton
• Calgary
• Halifax
• Hamilton
• Winnipeg
• Moncton
• Charlottetown
• St. John’s

The network connects Quebec with Canada’s largest cities as well as important Atlantic Canadian destinations, improving domestic accessibility across multiple provinces.

Toronto Becomes the Largest Market

Toronto receives the highest level of service from the new airport.

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport will be served with 27 weekly flights, making it the busiest route in Porter’s initial schedule.

Toronto Pearson follows with 20 weekly flights, giving passengers another convenient option for travel between Canada’s two largest metropolitan areas.

Together, these services strengthen one of the country’s busiest domestic travel corridors while providing travellers with greater scheduling flexibility.

Western Canada Receives Strong Connectivity

Porter is also placing significant emphasis on Western Canada.

Vancouver will receive 14 weekly flights, matching Halifax as one of the airline’s largest destinations from Montreal Metropolitan Airport.

The addition of Calgary and Edmonton further expands travel opportunities for both leisure and business passengers travelling between Quebec and Alberta.

These routes improve direct access to Canada’s western provinces while supporting tourism, corporate travel and family visits.

Atlantic Canada Benefits from Expanded Access

The airline’s new network also strengthens connectivity with Atlantic Canada.

Halifax receives 14 weekly flights, while Moncton, Charlottetown and St. John’s join the airport’s growing destination map.

The additional capacity improves travel options for residents of Atlantic Canada while encouraging tourism to Quebec and the wider Montreal region.

Passengers also benefit from increased choice when travelling between Eastern Canada’s major urban centres.

A New Choice for Montreal Travellers

Montreal Metropolitan Airport provides travellers with an alternative to Montréal–Trudeau International Airport.

Secondary airports often offer advantages including reduced congestion, shorter walking distances and quicker passenger processing.

The opening of the new terminal increases overall aviation capacity for the Montreal region while supporting future passenger growth.

For Porter Airlines, the airport also creates opportunities to expand operations without relying solely on existing infrastructure at Trudeau.

Tourism and Regional Economies Gain

The expanded domestic network supports tourism throughout Canada.

Direct flights encourage more leisure travel by reducing journey times and improving accessibility between provinces.

Hotels, restaurants, visitor attractions, transport providers and tourism operators in destinations across the network are expected to benefit from increased visitor arrivals.

The routes also strengthen economic links between Canadian cities while supporting conferences, education, business travel and cultural exchanges.

What Travellers Should Know

Passengers travelling from Montreal now have access to a second commercial airport offering direct domestic services across Canada.

Porter Airlines’ new network provides extensive connectivity from Montreal Metropolitan Airport, particularly to Toronto, Vancouver, Halifax and other major cities.

Travellers should check their departure airport carefully when booking flights, as Porter now operates services from multiple airports within the Greater Montreal region.

Key Statistics

• Commercial passenger operations began: 15 June 2026.
• Launch airline: Porter Airlines.
• New airport name: Montreal Metropolitan Airport.
• Former name: Montreal Saint-Hubert Airport.
• Initial destinations: 11.
• Toronto Billy Bishop: 27 weekly flights.
• Toronto Pearson: 20 weekly flights.
• Vancouver: 14 weekly flights.
• Halifax: 14 weekly flights.

Chronological Tracker

• 15 June 2026: Montreal Metropolitan Airport opens for commercial passenger operations.
• 15 June 2026: Porter Airlines operates the airport’s inaugural commercial flight to Vancouver.
• June 2026 onwards: Eleven domestic routes progressively operate from the new terminal.

FAQ

When did Montreal Metropolitan Airport begin commercial passenger operations?
The airport officially opened to commercial traffic on 15 June 2026.

How many destinations is Porter Airlines launching?
The airline is introducing 11 domestic routes across Canada.

Which are the busiest routes from the new airport?
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport leads with 27 weekly flights, followed by Toronto Pearson with 20 weekly flights, while Vancouver and Halifax each receive 14 weekly services.

Key Dates

• 15 June 2026: Montreal Metropolitan Airport opens to commercial passengers.
• 15 June 2026: Porter Airlines launches inaugural Vancouver flight and begins network expansion.

Conclusion

The opening of Montreal Metropolitan Airport marks a major milestone in Canadian aviation, introducing a new commercial gateway for the Greater Montreal region. As the first airline to operate from the airport’s passenger terminal, Porter Airlines is establishing a strong foundation with 11 domestic destinations, extensive service to Toronto, Vancouver and Halifax, and expanded connectivity across Canada. The launch not only provides travellers with greater choice and convenience but also strengthens domestic tourism, regional economic links and the long-term growth of Canada’s aviation network.