Mont Joli Airport

Mont-Joli Airport is not merely a transport hub, but a true aerial gateway to the picturesque region of Gaspésie and the Lower St. Lawrence. Located just a few minutes' drive from the city centre, it combines the cosiness of a provincial airfield with the efficiency of a modern aviation facility. For many travellers, this is where their acquaintance with the rugged beauty of eastern Quebec begins, whether it is a business trip or the start of a fascinating road trip along the St. Lawrence River.

Features and Advantages:

The main advantage of Mont-Joli Airport is its strategic location. It serves as a key access point for tourists heading to the Gaspé Peninsula and sits at the crossroads of important tourist routes. Thanks to the compact terminal, check-in and security screening procedures are incredibly fast here, sparing passengers the stress and queues typical of major hubs.

The airport has a rich history: built during the Second World War as a Royal Air Force training base, today it has transformed into a civil facility with modern infrastructure. In recent years, the runway has been extended, allowing it to accommodate larger aircraft, including Boeing 737s used for seasonal flights to southern resorts. For the convenience of arrivals, car rental desks operate here, which is ideal for starting a journey along the region's scenic roads.

• Official Website: Generally, the most up-to-date information on flights, services, and regulations can be found on the airport's official website. For Mont-Joli Airport, this is mont-joli.mitan.ca.
• Information Desk Phone: For immediate enquiries, you may call the main airport number: +1 418-775-3347.
• Address: 800 Route de l'Aéroport, Mont-Joli, QC G5H 3S7, Canada.
• Email: A public email address for general enquiries may not be available. It is recommended to use the contact form on the official website or call by phone.
• Social Media: Follow airport news and updates on its official social media pages, such as Facebook.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage was lost or damaged during the flight, you should immediately contact your airline's Lost & Found service. If you have lost personal items within the terminal, please contact the airport administration via the main phone number.
• Passenger Support Service: For all questions related to service at the airport, please contact the main information desk number.

Mont-Joli Airport (YYY) is conveniently located near the city of the same name, making it easily accessible for travellers. You can get to the terminal from the centre of Mont-Joli or back using several methods, the choice of which depends on your budget, time, and preferences.

Taxi and Private Transfer — the fastest and most comfortable option. The journey from the city centre will take just 10-15 minutes. This is an ideal choice for those travelling with a large amount of luggage or who value comfort. It is recommended to book a taxi in advance, especially during peak hours, to avoid waiting. The cost will be higher than public transport, but is justified by the speed and convenience.

Car Rental — an excellent choice for tourists planning to explore the picturesque Gaspésie region and other corners of Canada. Several car rental company desks are present at the airport. Having your own transport gives you complete freedom of movement. For those arriving at the airport in their own car, parking is provided. There are zones for both short-term and long-term parking located in the immediate vicinity of the terminal.

Public Transport in this region is represented mainly by bus routes. Although there may not be a direct municipal bus to the airport, regional carriers may have stops nearby. We recommend checking the schedule and routes on local transport company websites in advance. Some travellers may require a combination of a bus and a short taxi ride.

When planning a trip to this region, it is also worth considering other nearby airports, as they may offer alternative flights and routes for your journey. Within a radius of about 220 km are:

• Baie-Comeau Airport (YBC) in Baie-Comeau (58.7 km)
• Charlo Airport (YCL) in Charlo (155.4 km)
• Loring International Airport (LIZ) in Limestone (185.6 km)
• Saguenay-Bagotville Airport (YBG) in Saguenay (208.1 km)
• Bonaventure Airport (YVB) in Bonaventure (212.5 km)

Mont-Joli Airport (YYY) consists of one compact and modern terminal that serves all flights — both arrivals and departures. Such a structure makes the airport extremely convenient for passengers, as all necessary services and zones are located in one building, eliminating the need for long walks or the use of shuttles.

The terminal layout is intuitive. Upon entering, you find yourself in the general area where airline check-in desks are located. After checking in and dropping off luggage, passengers proceed to the single security screening point. Immediately behind it is a small but comfortable departure lounge with several gates. The arrivals area is located in another part of the building and includes a baggage claim belt and an exit to the city.

Thanks to the airport's small size and thoughtful layout, the time required to complete all pre-flight formalities is minimal. Flight check-in and security screening usually take no more than 20-30 minutes, even during peak load periods. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 60-90 minutes before departure to go through all procedures without haste.

To navigate the terminal, simply follow the clear and simple signs. Getting lost here is practically impossible. The main advice for travellers is to enjoy the calm and predictable environment. The compactness of Mont-Joli Airport is its key advantage, ensuring a quick and hassle-free start to your journey.

The history of Mont-Joli Airport (YYY) begins during the years of the Second World War. The airport was founded in 1941 as part of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP) and originally functioned as a military airbase for the Royal Canadian Air Force in Canada. It hosted a bombing and gunnery school where thousands of crew members were trained before being deployed to the European theatre of operations. This period laid the foundation for the region's future aviation infrastructure.

After the war ended, in 1945, the facility was transferred to the Department of Transport and converted into a civil airport. This step was key to the development of the entire Gaspé Peninsula and the North Shore of Quebec. Mont-Joli Airport turned into an important transport hub, providing regular air connections with major cities and remote settlements. For many years, it was one of the main bases for the regional airline Quebecair.

Over the years, the airport has been modernized repeatedly to meet growing passenger traffic demands and modern safety standards. The most significant reconstruction took place in the late 2000s. In 2009, a new passenger terminal was inaugurated — a modern and functional building that significantly increased the level of comfort for travellers and the efficiency of airport services.

One interesting fact from the airport's history is related to its role in the 1950s and 1960s during the construction of the Distant Early Warning Line (DEW Line) in the Arctic. Mont-Joli Airport served as an important transit point for delivering personnel and cargo to the north. Today, the airport continues to remain a vital artery for the region, serving as an example of the successful transformation of a military facility into a modern civil air terminal.

Mont-Joli Airport (YYY) is a compact regional air hub focused on providing basic comfort and convenience for passengers. Although the selection of services here is not as extensive as in major international airports, you will find everything necessary for a comfortable wait for your flight.

For a snack before departure, a small café or bistro operates in the terminal, where you can order light refreshments, sandwiches, and beverages. Usually, there is also a shop here offering travel goods, souvenirs, and press. For passenger convenience, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and charging stations for electronic devices are installed in the waiting lounges. Financial services are represented by ATMs where cash can be withdrawn.

The airport is fully equipped to serve passengers with reduced mobility. Ramps and specially equipped restrooms are available, and staff assistance is provided during boarding and disembarking. For passengers travelling with small children, nursing rooms with changing tables are available. To receive specialised assistance, it is recommended to contact your airline in advance.

There are no on-site hotels, VIP lounges, or specialised business centres within the airport building. However, the nearest hotels and motels are located a few minutes' drive away in the city of Mont-Joli itself. Medical assistance in emergency cases is provided by qualified airport personnel, who can call an ambulance if necessary.

Mont-Joli Airport (YYY) is a small regional airport, so the choice of dining establishments here is quite modest and focused on basic passenger needs. It is important to plan your meals in advance, especially if you have specific preferences.

In the main terminal building, there is usually one small café or snack bar. It is located in the public zone before security control (landside), making it accessible for both departing passengers and those seeing them off. Here you can find a standard set for a quick snack: sandwiches, pastries, crisps, chocolate, as well as hot and cold beverages, including coffee, tea, and juices.

As for a full meal, options at the airport are limited. The café mainly offers light refreshments. Specialised local cuisine dishes or gourmet offerings are generally not available here. Passengers with specific dietary requirements (such as vegetarian, vegan, Halal, or gluten-free preferences) are advised to bring food with them, as the selection for them may be extremely small or non-existent.

Prices in the café are consistent with the average level for airports. The establishment's opening hours are usually tied to the flight schedule: it is open during periods before departures and immediately after aircraft arrivals. If you are counting on a substantial lunch or dinner, the best solution would be to visit one of the restaurants in the city of Mont-Joli before travelling to the airport.

To ensure your journey from the airport of Mont-Joli is as comfortable as possible, make use of our tips. Mont-Joli Airport (YYY) is a small regional air hub, so there are generally no large queues or hustle. We recommend arriving at the airport approximately 90 minutes before departure. This time will be more than sufficient to check in, drop off luggage, and pass through security control without rushing.

To save time, take advantage of online check-in on your airline's website, which usually opens 24 hours before departure. In this case, at the airport, you will only need to drop off your luggage at the dedicated counter. When passing through security, be prepared to present your boarding pass and identification. Remember the standard rules: liquids in hand luggage must be in containers of no more than 100 ml, and laptops and other large electronics must be placed in a separate tray for scanning.

When choosing a seat on the plane, be guided by your preferences. A window seat will grant you beautiful views of the picturesque landscapes of Canada during takeoff and landing. An aisle seat will provide more freedom of movement around the cabin. Do not forget to pack all your most valuable and necessary items in your hand luggage: documents, money, essential medicines, a portable charger, and a light snack. Check that there are no prohibited items in your bag.

To save a little, bring an empty reusable bottle with you. After passing security control, it can be filled with drinking water at special fountains. Prices for food and beverages at airports are often high, so it is better to bring non-perishable snacks (nuts, dried fruits, bars) from home. If you plan to get to the airport by private car, study the parking options in advance and book a space online — this may work out cheaper.

A flight delay is always an unpleasant event, but it is important to remain calm. In such a situation, the first thing to do is contact your airline representative to find out the reasons and the estimated departure time. Follow updates on the information screens in the waiting lounge. Depending on the duration of the delay, the airline may be obliged to provide you with beverages or meals. Do not hesitate to clarify this information with the staff.