Montréal-Trudeau Airport set for $7.3 billion infrastructure upgrade by 2035
July 17, 2025
Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) is set for a transformation through a $7.3 billion investment over the next ten years.
The project, dubbed Flight Plan 2028–2035, is led by ADM Aéroports de Montréal and backed by a C$1 billion loan from the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB). The large-scale infrastructure modernisation will enable Montréal Airport to serve up to 35 million passengers annually by 2035.
“YUL’s development plan is extensive, but essential to ensure that our international airport can continue to accommodate growing passenger numbers and meet the expectations and needs of its users,” said ADM Chief Executive Officer, Yves Beauchamp, of the project as reported by CBC.
Travel volumes at Montréal Airport have already surpassed pre-pandemic levels, recording the fastest growth among major Canadian airports. The airport served over 22 million passengers last year. During the first quarter of this year, the airport reported that passenger traffic totalled 4.9 million.
ADM considers investment in the airport’s renovation as a critical driver for trade and tourism.
“About two years ago, we were spending about $230 million per year on infrastructure. This year, we should do $850 million,” CBC quotes Beauchamp as saying. “And next year, we should reach a billion, our cruising speed for the next years.”
ADM expects to receive no government subsidies to support the project. It will fund all improvements through loans and airport revenue.
Montréal Airport transformation for a better passenger experience
ADM’s long-term capital improvement strategy aims to achieve efficiency gains and enhance the passenger experience.
Planned works include landside and airside infrastructure improvements to support more aircraft traffic.
The airport management company expects Montréal Airport’s capacity to grow to 25 million passengers by 2028, and 30 to 35 million by 2035.
The project includes the construction of a new satellite jetty, providing additional gates and expanded passenger processing facilities, to alleviate congestion during peak hours.
An upgrade to the baggage handling system will streamline check-in and throughput.
ADM’s plan will also enhance airport access by reconfiguring approach roads and introducing new pick-up and drop-off points. The current multi-level parking structure will be demolished to make way for larger parking facilities.
The future REM light rail station will be connected directly to the terminal by a new building, scheduled for completion by 2027. It will allow easier access to and from Montréal-Trudeau Airport by public transit.
The project also involves constructing new tarmac and taxiway infrastructure to accommodate increased aircraft movements, thereby ensuring schedule reliability as traffic grows.
Creating jobs at Montréal-Trudeau Airport
ADM touts Montréal Airport as one of Canada’s key international gateways, facilitating international commerce and tourism. By 2028, ADM projects the infrastructure investment will contribute nearly $3.7 billion to Canada’s GDP. The airport management company also expects these upgrades will create up to 9,000 new jobs in Québec, in addition to the 59,000 already associated with the airport.
CIB’s C$1 billion loan enables ADM to advance several phases of the project simultaneously, minimising delays to meet the 2035 completion target and ensuring Montréal Airport’s growth plans remain on track.
