Montréal–Mirabel International Airport– YMX Mirabel

Once the largest airport in the world before Saudi Arabia’s King Fahd International became operational in 1999, the Montréal–Mirabel International Airport or Mirabel is now used solely for cargo flights. Located in Mirabel, Quebec, Canada, just 39 kilometers from Montreal, the airport opened on October 4, 1975, intended to replace the existing Dorval Airport which was nearing capacity. All international flights to and from Montreal between 1975 and 1997 were required to use Mirabel, with the exception of those to and from the United States. Problems related to the airport’s distance to downtown Montreal, lack of adequate and efficient transport links to city centres, and the inconvenience of domestic flights still being handled by Dorval became evident during the 1976 Olympics when Montreal saw a huge increase in visitors for the games. It continued to decline in importance and with the increased use of longer-range jets in the 1980s and the public’s general preference toward Dorval. On October 31, 2004, the last commercial passenger flight took off from Montréal–Mirabel International Airport.

Best Time to Visit

After the cessation of passenger flights in 2004, YMX- Montréal–Mirabel International Airport became the setting of several movies, most notably the Tom Hanks-starrer, The Terminal. A decade later, demolition of the terminal building began in mid-November of 2014 and was completed in 2016. Originally designed to eventually house six runways and six terminal buildings, it now has passenger terminal that caters to private, company, and helicopter flights. Sainte-Julie, Lachine, Laval, and Cedars are few of the cities that are served by the airport.

What to Do & Area Attractions

Among the best lodgings closest to YMX airport are the Aloft Montreal Airport, and the Embassy Suites by Hilton Montreal Airport.