U.S. Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) temporarily suspended operations at Montréal-Trudeau International Airport on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, leading to the cancellation of approximately 20 U.S.-bound flights. The halt was triggered by a strong odour of varnish originating from painting activities and construction materials at the airport.
Montreal Fire Department Clears Health Risk as Operations Gradually Resume
The Montreal Fire Department inspected the affected area and confirmed the odour did not present a health hazard. Airport officials increased ventilation in the vicinity to dissipate the smell. Montréal-Trudeau International Airport announced on its website that USCBP operations are restarting gradually, though passengers should expect delays. Travellers were urged to verify flight
statuses directly with airlines before traveling to the airport. For inquiries related to U.S. preclearance procedures, passengers were advised to contact USCBP directly.
Disruption Coincides with $10-Billion Airport Redevelopment
The odour and resulting suspension occurred amid a $10-billion redevelopment project at Montréal-Trudeau International Airport. The large-scale infrastructure work, involving extensive painting and construction activities, is slated to last around ten years and represents one of the airport’s most significant transformations. The construction presence at the site contributed to the operational disruption experienced on July 29.
