On Wednesday, July 29, 2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) temporarily suspended its operations at Montréal-Trudeau International Airport. The halt led to the cancellation of approximately 20 flights bound for the United States.
Cause of Suspension and Safety Assessment
The suspension was triggered by a strong odour linked to varnish fumes from painting work associated with nearby construction materials. The airport is currently undergoing a $10-billion redevelopment project expected to continue over the next decade. Following the odour detection, ventilation was increased in the affected area. The Montreal Fire Department inspected the site and concluded that the odour did not pose any health risk.
Impact on Flights and Passengers
The
operation pause disrupted the processing of inbound and outbound flights, resulting in the cancellation of around 20 U.S.-bound flights. Although USCBP operations have started to gradually resume, passengers should anticipate delays. Travelers heading to the United States were advised to check their flight status with their airline prior to traveling to the airport to avoid further disruptions.
Official Response and Passenger Guidance
Airport officials stated that every effort is underway to restore U.S. Customs processing quickly. They affirmed the odour’s unpleasantness but confirmed it did not present a health threat. Officials urged passengers to consult their airlines for flight updates and to contact USCBP directly
with questions regarding U.S. preclearance procedures. The airport apologized for the inconvenience and thanked travelers for their understanding and patience.
