Montreal travellers heading to Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) this winter season are facing a logistical challenge before they even board their planes. Significant changes to the road network and parking infrastructure are creating headaches for drivers and flyers alike, prompting airport authorities to issue urgent advice.
Parking Garage Demolition Sparks Six-Year Overhaul
The core of the issue is the closure and impending demolition of the airport's primary multi-level parking garage. This five-storey structure, first built in the 1960s and capable of holding over 5,000 vehicles, was condemned in October 2025 after reaching the end of its operational life.
Anne-Sophie Hamel, a spokesperson for Aéroports de Montréal (ADM), explained the scale of the project. The rebuild, which will add space for 1,000 more cars and expand the road network to triple vehicle capacity, is expected to take nearly six years, with completion slated for 2031. For perspective, this timeline is similar to the ongoing 5.5-kilometre extension of the Montreal Metro's Blue Line.
"The reason the reconstruction will take so long is that the airport is open 24 hours per day, all year round," Hamel told The Gazette. The constant operation prevents long-term road closures, complicating the construction process, which includes moving the new structure back from the terminal and replacing all underground infrastructure.
Immediate Consequences for Drivers and Passengers
The immediate impact is a severe reduction in available parking. Despite some new spots being added, the airport is currently operating with about 25% fewer parking spaces. This shortage is already being felt, with online reservations for the newer P4 parking garage showing no availability for the upcoming holiday period.
ADM is strongly urging a change in behaviour from the travelling public. "We're telling passengers that during the holidays if you don't have a parking spot reserved, you have to find a different way to get to the airport," Hamel stated. The authority is running ads on radio and in newspapers advising people to reserve parking ahead of time.
For those picking up arriving passengers, the message is clear: do not circle the arrivals area. Hamel noted that about a quarter of airport traffic is caused by drivers waiting for passengers. Instead, ADM directs drivers to use the free CellParc waiting lots, where they can stay in their vehicles until their party is ready at the curb.
Navigating the Current Airport Experience
For those who do park in the open P4 garage, the journey to the terminal involves a shuttle bus. While ADM claims the trip takes under five minutes, a recent visit by a Gazette reporter during a weekday took closer to 15. Passengers are shuttled to the Place Leigh-Capreol bus loop, followed by a three-minute walk to the terminal doors.
Alternative options include:
- Valet Parking: Available under the connected hotel for a steep rate of $50 per day, with a short-term option at $8 per 20-minute period.
- P10 Express Drop-off: Located off Highway 520, but its shuttle must fight through regular terminal traffic.
- Public Transit & Taxis: Still recommended as the best way to avoid congestion.
The situation is even more challenging for the approximately 13,000 people who work at the airport. Many employees now park in a repurposed section of the Jacques de Lesseps observation park and must also rely on shuttles.
A Light at the End of the Runway
ADM is looking to future infrastructure to provide lasting relief. The opening of a REM train station at the airport in 2027 is anticipated to significantly reduce road traffic. As an interim measure, a free shuttle bus from the Des Sources REM station is expected to begin service in 2026.
Until then, the message for anyone using Trudeau Airport is one of preparation and patience. "It involves a change of behaviour for our passengers for sure," Hamel concluded. With the project in its early stages, travellers are advised to plan well ahead, consider all transportation options, and brace for a more complicated journey to their flight.
