Montreal Saint-Hubert Airport (YHU) has started work on its new passenger terminal, which is being built in conjunction with Porter Airlines, with an opening planned for mid-2025.

Earlier this year, YHU and Porter said they were jointly developing a new nine-gate passenger terminal spanning 225,000 ft.² (21,000 m²). All building systems are being designed to be fully electric-powered. 

Porter will utilize a combination of De Havilland Dash 8-400s and Embraer E195-E2s to operate domestic routes from YHU. Other airlines will also be able to use the new terminal.

Porter has partnered with Macquarie Asset Management to form the joint company Partenaires d’infrastructure YHU (Quebec) to manage terminal development. Porter and Macquarie have said the terminal will have “an overall modern design aesthetic,” featuring “lounge-style seating for all passengers and access to food and beverage concessions, as well as retail vendors.”

Preparatory construction work that started Aug. 16 “confirms [the airport’s] shift towards establishing itself in commercial aviation,” YHU says in a statement.

The airport says it is now focusing on “excavation and leveling of the grounds,” noting that safety fences will be installed around the construction site.

Yanic Roy, CEO of the airport, adds: “The YHU transformation will increase the airport capacity of the greater Montreal area and consolidate regional air service in Quebec. With this major infrastructure, travelers can expect a better experience, while the region receives significant economic return.”

While a mid-2025 opening is being targeted, more specific details will be coming, according to the airport. YHU says it will provide a complete schedule and more information on terminal construction this autumn. 

Porter has cited 11 potential domestic airports to be served from YHU: Calgary, Charlottetown, Edmonton, Halifax, Moncton, Quebec, St. John’s, Vancouver, Winnipeg and both Toronto airports—Billy Bishop and Pearson.