Porter Airlines Set to Shake Up Montreal Market with 12 Strategic New Routes

Porter Airlines has officially confirmed its position as the anchor tenant of the revitalized Montréal Metropolitan Airport (MET), formerly known as Saint-Hubert. In a series of high-impact announcements released Tuesday morning, the carrier unveiled an ambitious 12-route network that will connect Montreal’s South Shore to every major corner of Canada. Beginning June 15, 2026, the launch represents a massive 91% increase in Porter’s capacity within the Greater Montreal area, effectively doubling the airline's footprint and providing a streamlined alternative to the congestion of Montréal-Trudeau (YUL).

The expansion is centered around a brand-new, 21,000-square-meter commercial terminal developed by YHU Infrastructure Partners. This fully electric facility is designed to process up to four million passengers annually, with a "curb-to-gate" efficiency that is expected to save travelers significant time compared to traditional international hubs.

A Coast-to-Coast Strategy from the South Shore

The inaugural schedule places Montreal at the core of a new national network. While Porter will continue to serve Montréal-Trudeau, its primary "jet hub" for the region is shifting toward the MET. The rollout will occur over seven days in June, utilizing a fleet of 132-seat Embraer E195-E2 jets and 78-seat De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft.

Major hubs like Vancouver, Calgary, and Toronto are at the forefront of this launch. Specifically, the "shuttle" service between MET and Toronto’s two main airports, Pearson and Billy Bishop, will see a staggering combined 47 weekly flights, making it one of the most frequent regional connections in the country.

President and CEO of Porter Airlines, Michael Deluce stated:

“The new MET terminal development represents an exceptional private investment in transportation infrastructure that Greater Montreal will benefit from for generations. Porter is bringing a wide range of flight options to the airport, along with a genuine commitment to the community.” 

Redefining the Passenger Experience

Beyond the routes, the story lies in the infrastructure. The new terminal features nine boarding gates and a spacious 900-seat lounge that mimics the high-end, open-concept feel of Toronto’s Billy Bishop Airport. To ensure accessibility, the airport has launched the "METbus," an express electric shuttle service linking the terminal directly to the Longueuil–Université-de-Sherbrooke metro station.

Technically, the airport has also committed to strict environmental and noise standards. Operations at MET will be limited to quieter, single-aisle aircraft, and commercial night flights are prohibited to maintain a balance with the surrounding residential community.

“For Greater Montreal passengers, the opening of the terminal at MET will offer more options for travellers and allow airlines to take advantage of greater airport capacity in the metropolitan region,” said Yanic Roy, President and CEO of MET – Montréal Metropolitan Airport.

Inaugural Schedule for Porter Airlines at MET (YHU)

The following flight operations are officially confirmed to commence during the launch week. Note that specific departure and arrival times vary by date; travelers are advised to consult the latest digital schedules for exact HH:MM slots.

As construction wraps up on the half-billion-dollar project, the arrival of Porter as a major player at MET signals a new era for Canadian aviation. By decentralizing traffic away from the saturated Montréal-Trudeau, the airline is betting that "convenience" is the ultimate currency for the modern traveler.