MONTREAL–TRUDEAU INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

History Montréal–Trudeau International Airport

By the 1940s, it was increasingly clear that Montreal's original airport, Saint-Hubert Airport, in operation since 1927, was no longer adequate for the city's needs. The Minister of Transport purchased land at the Dorval Race Track, which was considered the best location for an enlarged airport because of its good weather conditions and few foggy days. The airport opened on September 1, 1941, as Dorval Airport/Aéroport Dorval with three paved runways. By 1946 the airport was hosting more than a quarter of a million passengers a year, growing to more than a million in the mid-1950s.

During World War II thousands of Allied aircraft passed through Dorval on the way to England. At one time Dorval was the major transatlantic hub for commercial aviation and the busiest airport in Canada, with flights from airlines such as British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC). Until 1959, it also doubled as RCAF Station Lachine.

Growth Montréal–Trudeau International Airport

Air Canada airplanes parked at the old aeroquay in 1982. In November 1960, the airport was renamed Montreal–Dorval International Airport/Aéroport international Dorval de Montréal. On December 15 of that year the Minister of Transport inaugurated a new $30 million terminal. The structure was built by Illsley, Templeton, Archibald, and Larose At its height, it was the largest terminal in Canada and one of the biggest in the world.

It was the gateway to Canada for all European air traffic and served more than two million passengers per year. Eight years later, Montréal–Dorval International Airport underwent a major expansion program. Despite this, the government of Prime Minister of Canada Pierre Elliott Trudeau (who represented a Montreal riding) predicted that Dorval would be completely saturated by 1985 and also projected that 20 million passengers would be passing through Montreal's airports annually. They decided to construct a new airport in Sainte-Scholastique, what became Montréal–Mirabel International Airport. As the first phase in the transition that would eventually have seen Dorval closed, all international flights (except those to and from the United States) were to be transferred to the new airport in 1975.

Terminal Montréal–Trudeau International Airport

Montréal-Trudeau airport consists of one two-storied terminal, divided into four different zones:

the public area (departures and arrivals level), the domestic jetty, the international jetty and the transborder jetty. There are two distinct areas in the public part of the airport (departure level); one is dedicated for the check-in of flights within or outside Canada (except U.S.) and the other one is for flights departing for the U.S. Both public areas are equipped with self-service check-in kiosks, a prayer area, shops and cafés. There is free Wi-Fi throughout the airport, luggage trolleys, ATMs and nursing rooms.

When passengers arrive at Montréal-Trudeau from an international destination, they are welcomed into a huge and bright arrival complex, before passing through primary customs inspection, then go down one level to the baggage claim area and finally the international arrivals public area. The Aérogalerie program places artworks throughout the airport to showcase the city's artistic and cultural history. Works throughout the airport include showcases, illuminated columns, temporary exhibitions in the international arrival complex and permanent collection from various artists from the city.

Airport lounges Montréal–Trudeau International Airport

Two major airline alliances (Star Alliance and SkyTeam) have a large presence at Montréal-Trudeau, and therefore both maintain frequent flyer lounges within the airport. There are also two "Pay-In" lounges open for use by all passengers, regardless of airline, frequent flyer status or class of travel.

• Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge (Star Alliance)
• Domestic
• International
• USA Transborder
• Air France/KLM Lounge (SkyTeam)
• National Bank Lounge
• Desjardins Odyssey Lounge

Transport options Montréal–Trudeau International Airport

• Bus: You’ll find several bus lines at Montreal Airport to go to different destinations.

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• Taxi: You’ll find a wide rank of taxis at the Arrivals area of Montreal Airport.

   

• Train: There is no train station at the Airport, however, it is very easy to get to the nearest one.

   

• Transfer: If you want private transportation to and from Montreal Airport, you can book a transfer.

   

• Car Rental: Renting a car in Montreal is a great idea, find your best option with our search engine.

   

  The official language of the city is French and all its neighbourhoods have a different style, being a really interesting place to visit. Vieux-Montreal neighbourhood, with French style or the Plateau neighbourhood, with a bohemic style.

  Old Montreal is the most popular tourist spot in the city. This is the oldest area of Montreal, being the original site of the city’s French colonial origins. You will find boutiques, galleries, restaurants and a few kitsch souvenir shops, all housed among well-preserved buildings that date back to the 17th century. Stroll through the area’s most prominent public squares – Place d’Armes, Place Royale and Place Jacques-Cartier – and check out the 18th-century Château Ramezay residence with its French colonial-style Governor’s Garden.

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