U.S. Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) temporarily stopped operations at Montréal-Trudeau International Airport on Wednesday, 29 July 2026, resulting in the cancellation of approximately 20 flights bound for the United States.
Odour from Varnish Paint Leads to Suspension
The halt in U.S. customs processing was triggered by a strong smell of varnish from nearby painting work related to ongoing construction. Airport authorities confirmed the odour originated from construction materials used in the area.
The Montreal Fire Department inspected the site and ruled out any health risk associated with the odour. In response, ventilation systems servicing the affected zones were intensified to disperse the smell.
Passenger Impact and Operational Resumption
Passengers on U.S.-bound
flights experienced cancellations totaling around 20 flights. USCBP has started a gradual resumption of its operations but warned that further delays and cancellations remain possible.
Travelers are advised to verify their flight status with airlines before traveling to Montréal-Trudeau International Airport to avoid extended waiting times or disruptions.
Ongoing Airport Redevelopment
The incident takes place amid a $10-billion redevelopment effort at Montréal-Trudeau Airport, involving extensive construction scheduled to last over the next decade. This major infrastructure project continues to contribute to operational challenges at the airport.
Official Statements on Situation and Safety
Montreal-Trudeau Airport officials expressed commitment to restoring U.S. Customs operations promptly. The airport’s public communication reassured that
the varnish odour does not present any health hazard.
USCBP notified through the airport’s website that the suspension was a safety precaution due to the varnish smell, emphasizing efforts to resume processing swiftly while apologizing for passenger inconvenience.
