U.S. Customs temporarily suspended operations at Montréal-Trudeau Airport (YUL) due to a “smell of construction materials” this morning, July 29, 2026. As a result of this suspension, some flights bound for the United States are grounded—canceled or delayed—until U.S. Customs resumes operations.
The odor, which Montréal Airports (ADM) said was caused by painting work, was investigated by the fire department, and no danger was reported. It appears to be nothing more than an odor, with no hidden defects or danger to people heading to the airport.
The suspension of U.S. Customs operations will most likely be temporary and won’t last all day, but those flying to the United States today, July 29, 2026, should check their flight status as soon as possible—and before heading to the airport—to avoid a round trip in the pouring rain.
To get to the airport without a car, there’s a great bus that’s (almost) always on time: the STM’s 747. You’ll need to buy an $11.25 ticket (a “day pass” that grants access to Montreal’s public transit system for 24 hours) and allow about an hour for the trip.
Air Canada, with a new shuttle that departs from downtown and travels (quickly) directly to the airport without any stops, cuts the travel time in half and costs less than the 747—but note that this service is reserved for those traveling with the Canadian airline.
The shuttle departs from the Palais des Congrès, right in downtown Montreal—near the Place d’Armes metro station. It makes 37 round trips between the Palais des Congrès and Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport per day and costs $9 (before taxes).
You can board an Air Canada shuttle bound for YUL every 15–30 minutes, from 5 a.m. until 9 p.m. The trip is guaranteed to be quick, because the shuttle uses a dedicated route with no traffic.
To book a ticket online for the Air Canada Shuttle, click here
