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Montreal-Trudeau Airport is heading into major construction and it’s going to get messy

With demolition and detours ahead, YUL has announced a major overhaul that will extend into the 2030s and significantly impact the entire airport.

Laura Osborne
Written by
Laura Osborne
Editor, Time Out Canada
Montréal-Trudeau International Airport
Photograph: Shutterstock . DD Images
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On the heels of Montreal-Trudeau Airport (YUL) named cleanest airport in North America in 2025, YUL just made an announcement that’s anything but. 

Montreal-Trudeau Airport has officially kicked off a major renovation phase, with construction and expansion projects now underway. 

According to Aéroports de Montréal, the extensive work will continue into the 2030s, affecting nearly every part of the airport, from roadways and runways to parking lots.

Major projects are on the horizon at YUL to keep pace with rising passenger demand and significant business growth. 

By 2028, travellers can expect expanded local parking, a new satellite jetty, revamped drop-off zones, the opening of the REM station, and the demolition of the current multi-level garage. 

When will the Montreal-Trudeau Airport construction be finished?

The full vision, set to wrap up by 2035, includes additional parking and drop-off areas and a major terminal façade expansion.

Montreal-Trudeau airport
Photograph: Shutterstock / JHVEPhoto

Planning a trip soon? Travellers, be warned.

Montreal-Trudeau shared a statement in this Facebook post, comparing the project to an airport-sized kitchen renovation: 

"We’re not going to sugarcoat it: the next few years at YUL are going to be a puzzle. Like renovating your kitchen while still living in your house, but airport-sized. But don't worry, we'll get through it together, step by step, piece by piece. To make it easier, whenever you see this purple and this green pop up in your feed, you’ll instantly know it’s related to the ongoing work at YUL."

Travellers were urged to look for updates on their Instagram and web pages for updates, before adding:

"It might get a little messy before it gets beautiful. But trust us, it’s gonna look amazing when it's done!"

On June 9, 2025, another Facebook post shared a message regarding express drop-off areas:

"This summer, temperatures (and traffic) are set to reach their peak at YUL. So, don’t get your left arm roasted for nothing, and drive straight to one of our two Express Drop-off areas (one at P4 and the other at P10). You’ll avoid traffic jams, frustrations, and sunburns. Trust us: this summer, use the Express Drop-off areas."

Montréal-Trudeau International Airport
Photograph: Shutterstock / EQRoy

Will the Montréal REM go to the airport?

Here’s what travellers can expect between now and 2028:

A new REM light rail station (YUL-Aéroport-Montréal-Trudeau) opening in 2027

A complete revamp of the parking system, including the demolition of the current multilevel garage

Roadway upgrades to better handle rising passenger traffic

The launch of major southern terminal expansion work

Then, starting in 2035, the Destination 2035 master plan kicks into high gear with:

A brand-new P5 parking facility offering over 6,000 spaces

The full demolition and rebuild of existing boarding gates

A 20,000-square-metre terminal extension focused on improving the passenger experience


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