Montreal's Airports: How Many Are There?

how many airports are in montreal canada

Montreal, the largest city in Canada's province of Quebec, is a popular tourist destination known for its vibrant culture, unique local cuisine, beautiful historical sites, and mesmerizing winters. With a dynamic business sector and a thriving aviation industry, Montreal is served by several airports in and around the city. In this article, we will explore the different airports in Montreal, their history, and their role in shaping the region's tourism and commerce. We will also discuss Montreal's ambitious airport development plans and how they have contributed to the city's growth as a dynamic metropolis.

Characteristics Values
Number of airports in Montreal 4
Names of airports Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (Montréal–Trudeau International Airport), Montréal Saint-Hubert Longueuil Airport, Montréal-Mirabel International Airport, Alexandria Aerodrome
Airport codes YUL, YHU, YMX
Location Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport is located 20 km from downtown Montreal, in the suburb of Dorval. Alexandria Aerodrome is located in Alexandria, Ontario near the Quebec border. Montréal-Mirabel International Airport is located about 50 km northwest of downtown Montreal.
Functions Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport is the principal air gateway for Quebec’s largest city and serves as the leading aviation hub for Montreal. Montréal Saint-Hubert Longueuil Airport focuses on regional air travel within Quebec and nearby provinces. Montréal-Mirabel International Airport is a specialized center for cargo flights, aerospace manufacturing, and film production. Alexandria Aerodrome is an international private jet airport primarily used for skydiving and glider activities.
Popularity Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport is one of the busiest airports in Canada, handling millions of passengers annually.

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Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport

The airport has a single terminal with a small satellite terminal building located northeast of the main terminal. It offers dining, shopping, and VIP lounges, reflecting Montreal's fusion of convenience and sophistication. It is known for its advanced design, modern terminals, and extensive connections.

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Montréal Saint-Hubert Longueuil Airport

As of 2023, Montréal Saint-Hubert Longueuil Airport was ranked as Canada's 12th busiest airport by aircraft movements. The airport mainly serves travellers to Quebec destinations and is classified as an airport of entry by Nav Canada. However, CBSA officers at this airport can only handle general aviation aircraft with no more than 15 passengers.

The history of Montréal Saint-Hubert Longueuil Airport dates back to the 1920s when, following the 1926 Imperial Conference, money was allocated for the construction of an airship base, airport, and mooring mast in eastern Canada. British experts selected a site on the south shore of Montreal at Saint-Hubert, and work on the airfield began in 1927. Saint-Hubert's first airmail delivery took place in November 1927, and in August 1930, it received the R100 airship, which had completed the first non-stop passenger-carrying powered flight across the North Atlantic to Canada. In April 1939, Canada's first air traffic control tower opened at the airport.

Today, Montréal Saint-Hubert Longueuil Airport continues to play a significant role in aviation in the Montreal area. It is accessible by road and train, and its convenient location makes it a popular choice for travellers looking to access the city and surrounding regions efficiently.

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Montréal-Mirabel International Airport

Montréal–Mirabel International Airport (YMX) is located about 50 kilometres northwest of downtown Montreal. It was designed in the late 1960s and intended to become a cutting-edge aviation hub with expansive facilities and room for future growth. It officially opened on 4 October 1975, in time for the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games.

The airport was supposed to replace the existing Dorval Airport (now Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport) as the eastern air gateway to Canada. As a result, from 1975 to 1997, all international flights to and from Montreal (except for flights to and from the US) were required to use Mirabel. However, Mirabel's remote location and inadequate transport links to urban centres made it very unpopular with travellers and airlines. The continued operation of domestic flights from Dorval Airport also contributed to Mirabel's decline in popularity.

By 2004, Mirabel had ended most commercial flight operations and ceased serving regular passenger routes. It was relegated to the role of a cargo airport. Today, it serves as a specialised centre for cargo flights, aerospace manufacturing, and even film production. Despite its current status, Mirabel continues to play a role in Montreal's aviation landscape, albeit far from its original grand aspirations.

In addition to cargo operations, Mirabel has also attracted several aerospace and aviation-related businesses to its site. Companies such as Bombardier, Airbus, Bell Helicopter Textron, and Pratt & Whitney Canada have established a presence at the airport, utilising its spacious facilities for their operations.

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Alexandria Aerodrome Airport

Montreal, the largest city in Canada's province of Quebec, is served by several airports in and around the city. One of these is the Alexandria Aerodrome Airport. This airport is located in Alexandria, Ontario, near the Quebec border, and its primary use is skydiving and glider activities. It is an international private jet airport.

In addition to its recreational purposes, the airport also serves as a base for aerial tours and charter services. Travellers can book scenic flights or even arrange for custom tours of the region, providing a bird's-eye view of Montreal and beyond. The airport's proximity to Montreal makes it a popular choice for those seeking an adventurous and unique way to experience the city and its surroundings.

While Montreal is primarily served by the Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL), which handles the majority of international and domestic flights, the city also benefits from other airports such as the Montréal Saint-Hubert Longueuil Airport (YHU) and the Montréal-Mirabel International Airport (YMX). These additional airports contribute to the region's robust aviation network, catering to various types of aviation activities and services.

The Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, located just 20 kilometres from downtown Montreal, is renowned for its strategic location and modern infrastructure. It offers convenient access to the city's business centres and provides extensive connections to global hubs across Europe and the United States. With advanced design, streamlined customs processes, and modern terminals, it is one of the busiest airports in the country and the preferred choice for most travellers visiting Montreal.

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Plattsburgh International Airport

Montreal, the largest city in Canada's province of Quebec, is served by several airports in and around the city. These include Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL), Montréal Saint-Hubert Longueuil Airport (YHU), and Montréal-Mirabel International Airport (YMX). In addition, Plattsburgh International Airport in Plattsburgh, New York, markets itself as "Montreal's U.S. airport" or "Montreal's American Airport".

As of 2016, Plattsburgh Airport served about 140,000 passengers annually, with more than 80% of them being Canadians who drove across the border. The Federal Aviation Administration forecasted that this number would increase to 300,000 passengers annually by 2030 due in part to Canadian use. On September 5, 2007, Allegiant Air announced non-stop flights from Plattsburgh to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Florida, citing the airport's proximity to Montreal and Burlington, Vermont, as a key advantage.

The development of Plattsburgh International Airport faced some challenges and controversies. Initially, there were concerns about the ownership of the runway by the United States Air Force (USAF), which complicated its conversion into a civilian airport. The county ended its contract with the Plattsburgh Airbase Redevelopment Corporation in March 2005 due to various issues. However, the airport received significant funding from the Federal Aviation Administration and federal transportation funding for the construction of the passenger terminal and runway improvements.

Frequently asked questions

There are several airports in and around Montreal, Canada.

Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) is the largest airport in the Montreal area.

The code for Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport is YUL.

Montréal Saint-Hubert Longueuil Airport (YHU) is another airport that serves Montreal.

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