MONTREAL — Following a year of record growth in 2017, with over 18.2 million passengers representing a 9.5% increase over 2016, Montréal-Trudeau airport (YUL) is anticipating further growth this year thanks to new services and destinations.

The airport will welcome five new destinations from Montreal in 2018, all served by Air Canada. These include Tokyo (from June 1, year-round); Bucharest (from June 7, summer only); Baltimore and Pittsburgh (from May 17, year-round); and Victoria (from June 22, summer only);

The airport will also welcome low-cost carrier Level-France, its 34th carrier and 22nd international airline. It will offer a thrice-weekly flight from Montreal to Paris Orly from July 2 to Nov. 3.

In terms of capacity, the total number of seats offered will rise 6%, with 8% growth for the international sector. Added seat capacity for the season come courtesy of several carriers, including Interjet (+52%), Air Transat (+18%), Air China (+10%) and Air Canada (+8%).

Added seat capacity was announced for many destinations, especially for international service, including Tel Aviv (+52%), Mexico City (+21%), and Paris (+4%). The number of weekly flights to Lisbon will double for the summer.

Lastly, several international carriers will increase their flight frequency for the summer season, including Tunisair (four flights/week), Air China (six flights/week to Beijing), and Air Algérie (eight flights/week).

“Travellers from Montreal and elsewhere in Quebec will have access to a record number of international destinations this summer,” said Philippe Rainville, President and CEO of Aéroports de Montréal. “Montréal-Trudeau is, more than ever, a gateway for discovering the world!”

Rainville also noted that the inaugural flight to Tokyo in June will be a third direct link with Asia, a continent that was not served until just recently.

“We are continuing to move steadily forward, with sustained growth and a constant focus on providing our passengers and partners with a vibrant, pleasant and safe airport environment.”

Proportionately speaking, Montréal-Trudeau is the most international of all Canadian airports. This year, it will service 146 destinations, a record 89 of which are international. For more go to admtl.com.