Partial closures at Montreal-Trudeau Airport as parking structure demolition continues

Travellers heading to Montréal–Trudeau International Airport this week are being urged to plan ahead, as construction work forces temporary closures in the arrivals area.

The arrivals section will be closed daily from 6 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. until May 1. During these hours, all traffic will be redirected to the departures drop-off zone.

Officials say the P4 and P10 Express drop-off areas are free and open 7 days a week and allow to pick up or drop off passengers while avoiding congestion at the main drop-off areas.

“As a reminder and as part of our Flight Plan, we have been deconstructing and demolishing that parking lot to allow the construction of a new public curbside with tripled capacity, which aims to improve user services and reduce congestion by 2028,” said Aéroports de Montréal (ADM).

Airport officials say the disruption is tied to ongoing demolition work on the site’s multi-level parking structure, including the dismantling of its stairwell components.

The work is part of a broader overhaul of the airport, which has faced ongoing criticism from travellers over congestion and accessibility in recent years.

The long-term redevelopment plan aims to improve traffic flow, expand vehicle capacity, and make the airport easier to navigate.

As part of that effort, a new curbside pick-up and drop-off area is expected to be completed by 2028. Once finished, it is projected to triple current capacity.

“While we have not seen any delays in the morning and are not in a busy travel period at this time, it remains our intention to always advise passengers and traffic reporters when necessary,” said ADM.

Officials recommend arriving three hours before any departure, no matter the destination, and to plan its trip ahead.

CityNews spoke to several airport users, who described the situation as disorganized and difficult to navigate.

“It’s a mess. Also with the Ubers, the taxis, Montreal deserves a lot better,” said one traveller. “Construction season has just started and there’s no plan to accommodate all the traffic.” said another airport user.

“This is really difficult for even people coming to pick (people) up. There’s no parking here,” said one person.

Passengers and drivers also pointed to congestion and a lack of clear directions.

“Passengers aren’t able to find the right place here at the airport. Often, there isn’t even an clear sign telling you where to find a taxi,” said a taxi driver. “Ever since they started the construction things have really degenerated here.”

“It makes it very congested after 2 p.m.,” another said.

“But people come in (with) no more space to move. That’s why it takes time,” said another.

“We’re not organized at all,” added one traveller.