YUL Staff Earn Top Marks Amidst Major Airport Transformation

MONTRÉAL, QC – March 27, 2026 – While the sounds of construction signal a period of profound change at YUL Montréal-Trudeau International Airport, the dedication of its staff has provided a constant, award-winning passenger experience. The airport has once again distinguished itself on the world stage, securing the second-place position for "Best Airport Staff Service in North America" at the prestigious 2026 Skytrax World Airport Awards.

This latest accolade, announced at a ceremony in London, is particularly significant as it comes during a period of extensive transformation projects designed to modernize the airport. It highlights a remarkable achievement by the 13,000-strong airport community, whose commitment to service excellence has shone through, even as passengers navigate the complexities of a major infrastructure overhaul. The award, based on millions of independent passenger surveys, reinforces YUL's reputation as a leader in customer care and a premier gateway to North America.

A Human Touch Amidst Transformation

The Skytrax award is a direct reflection of passenger sentiment, gathered between August 2025 and February 2026. According to the organization, the high marks for YUL's teams stem from their consistent professionalism, courtesy, and comprehensive support, both in-person and through expanding digital assistance channels. For an airport in the midst of what its leadership calls a "significant transformation," this recognition is a powerful testament to its human capital.

"The year 2025 marked the beginning of a significant transformation of our airport, with numerous projects aimed at shaping the airport of tomorrow," said Yves Beauchamp, President and CEO of ADM Aéroports de Montréal, in a statement. "In this sometimes challenging context for passengers, I am particularly proud that the remarkable work of our airport community members has been recognized."

Beauchamp's comments underscore the inherent difficulty of maintaining a seamless passenger journey during large-scale construction. Dust, detours, and temporary facilities can easily lead to frustration and negative perceptions. However, YUL's staff have managed to counteract these potential drawbacks, earning praise for their dedication and positive attitude.

"We are privileged to have a dedicated and passionate community that has enabled YUL to excel for years by providing exceptional hospitality and prioritizing the traveller experience," Beauchamp added. He extended his gratitude to the thousands of employees who "assist and serve passengers from here and abroad every day," noting that their smiles and dedication are instrumental to the reputation of both the airport and the city of Montréal. This achievement is not a one-off; YUL previously won the top honor for staff service in 2021, 2023, and 2025, demonstrating a sustained culture of excellence.

Navigating a Competitive North American Landscape

YUL's second-place finish places it in elite company and highlights a trend of Canadian airports excelling in passenger service. The top spot for "Best Airport Staff Service in North America" was awarded to Toronto Pearson (YYZ), with Vancouver International Airport (YVR) taking third, creating a Canadian sweep of the top three positions. This dominance suggests a concerted effort across the country's major hubs to prioritize the human element of the travel experience.

In the broader category of "Best Airports in North America," YUL secured the 7th position. The top of this list was claimed by Vancouver, which also broke into the global top 10, followed by several U.S. airports including Houston's George Bush and Hobby airports, and New York's LaGuardia. YUL's consistent presence in this top 10, where it is one of only three Canadian airports, solidifies its status as a key player in the continent's aviation sector.

While the Skytrax results paint a glowing picture of staff performance, it is worth noting that different industry surveys can produce varied outcomes based on their methodologies. For instance, the J.D. Power 2025 North America Airport Satisfaction Study placed YUL lower in its "large airport" category. However, the Skytrax awards are widely considered the global benchmark for passenger opinion, as they are based on the world's largest voluntary airport customer satisfaction survey, independent of any airport control or input.

Climbing the Global Ranks and Boosting Montréal's Brand

Beyond its strong continental performance, YUL is also making strides on the global stage. In the 2026 rankings of the "World's Top 100 Airports," Montréal-Trudeau climbed five spots to land at 46th place. This upward trajectory is a significant indicator of the airport's growing international stature and its success in competing with major hubs across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

An airport often serves as the first and last impression of a city for international travelers. A positive, welcoming, and efficient airport experience, driven by exceptional staff, directly contributes to Montréal's brand as a world-class destination for tourism and business. This high-quality service can be a deciding factor for travelers and a point of pride for residents. The consistent recognition from Skytrax elevates the city's profile, signaling to the world that Montréal is not only accessible but also exceptionally hospitable.

This enhanced reputation can have tangible economic benefits. A highly-ranked airport can attract new airline routes, increase passenger volumes, and encourage foreign investment. The success of airports like Vancouver, which saw record passenger numbers in tandem with its high Skytrax rankings, illustrates the correlation between quality service and economic growth. By investing in both its physical infrastructure and its human resources, ADM is positioning YUL to be a more powerful economic engine for the entire Quebec region.

The Recipe for Sustained Success

YUL's repeated success in the Skytrax awards is not accidental but rather the result of a long-term strategic focus on quality. The airport has held a prestigious 4-star certification from Skytrax since 2019, a rating that was renewed in late 2024. Unlike the passenger-voted awards, this certification is based on detailed audits by Skytrax surveyors and expert committees who evaluate hundreds of aspects of airport service and facilities.

This 4-star rating places YUL in the same league as other major international airports and demonstrates a foundational commitment to high standards across the board, from terminal cleanliness and retail offerings to security efficiency and wayfinding. The consistent top-tier awards for staff service build upon this solid foundation, showing that the airport excels not just in its physical environment but in its human interactions.

The Skytrax World Airport Awards are often called the "Oscars of the aviation industry" for their prestige and scope. The fact that YUL has consistently ranked at the top for staff service—winning first place three times and now second place—while simultaneously undertaking a massive redevelopment program speaks volumes. It suggests that the airport authority has successfully embedded a customer-first culture that empowers its employees to excel, regardless of external pressures or challenges. This sustained excellence is the key ingredient in its recipe for success, ensuring that as the airport physically transforms, its soul—its people—remains its greatest asset.