Porter to anchor new Montreal Metropolitan Airport with coast-to-coast launch
March 24, 2026 Billy Walker
Porter Airlines is set to play a defining role in the next chapter of air travel in Montreal, becoming the launch carrier at the new Montreal Metropolitan Airport (MET) when service begins June 15.
Located in Longueuil on Montreal’s South Shore, the newly redeveloped airport — formerly Saint-Hubert — is positioning itself as a more efficient, passenger-friendly alternative for a significant portion of the region’s travellers. With more than half of Greater Montreal’s population within easier reach of the airport, the goal is simple: cut down travel time and simplify the overall airport experience.
From the moment passengers arrive, that difference is expected to be noticeable. The new terminal has been designed with a modern, open-concept layout, prioritizing flow, comfort, and speed. It’s a compact footprint by design — something that could prove to be one of its biggest advantages in a market where long lines and crowded terminals have become the norm.
Porter is moving quickly to establish MET as a key part of its network.
Within the first week of operations, the airline will roll out 12 routes stretching from coast to coast, including major hubs like Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Halifax, alongside high-frequency service to Toronto’s Billy Bishop and Pearson airports. Regional connections to destinations such as Quebec City, Moncton and Charlottetown round out the initial offering, with several routes operating daily.
The scale of the launch signals just how important Montreal has become to Porter’s broader strategy.
The airline has steadily expanded its footprint in the city since first arriving at Montreal-Trudeau in 2006, but the addition of MET accelerates that growth significantly. This summer alone, Porter’s capacity in the Montreal market is set to increase by more than 90 percent, with hundreds of weekly departures split between Trudeau and the new South Shore airport.
For travellers, the dual-airport approach adds a layer of flexibility that hasn’t traditionally existed in Montreal. Depending on where you live — or where you’re headed — choosing between YUL and MET could become part of the booking decision.
The expansion is also closely tied to Porter’s evolving fleet. The introduction of Embraer E195-E2 aircraft over the past few years has enabled longer routes across North America, while the airline’s Dash 8-400 continues to serve shorter regional sectors. Across both aircraft types, Porter maintains its signature no middle-seat configuration — a small detail that continues to resonate with passengers.
There’s also a regional play at work.
Through its partnership with Quebec-based Pascan Aviation, Porter is extending its reach deeper into smaller markets across the province and into the Maritimes. The ability to book a single itinerary with seamless baggage connections adds another layer of convenience, particularly for travellers coming from — or heading to — communities that have historically had fewer direct options.
Beyond the network, Porter is leaning into the experience it has built its brand around: a more refined approach to economy travel. Complimentary beer and wine served in glassware, premium snacks, and fast onboard WiFi are all part of the offering — features that stand out in a category that has largely moved in the opposite direction.
Combined with a purpose-built airport designed to reduce friction, the airline is clearly betting that travellers are ready for a different kind of experience.
The opening of Montreal Metropolitan Airport represents a significant private investment in the region’s infrastructure, and its success will ultimately come down to whether passengers embrace an alternative to the traditional airport model.
With Porter anchoring the launch — and doing so at scale — MET won’t have to wait long to find out.
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