U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced on July 29, 2026 that passenger screening and processing at the Montreal‑Trudeau Airport checkpoint have resumed following a temporary shutdown. The interruption began earlier in the day after a strong odor emanating from a construction site near the terminal prompted officials to suspend operations.
The odor concern led to a halt that lasted several hours while authorities evaluated the situation and ensured the safety of travelers and staff. Once the source was identified and deemed non‑hazardous, the checkpoint received clearance to reopen.
During the suspension, passengers destined for the United States experienced a delay in processing, but the resumption of service restores the standard flow of cross‑border traffic at the airport.
Airport officials confirmed that the construction activity will continue, and they are coordinating with the site to monitor any future incidents that could affect the customs area. The incident underscores the need for rapid response protocols when environmental factors arise in proximity to security operations.
The checkpoint at Montreal‑Trudeau serves as the primary U.S. entry point for passengers traveling between Canada and the United States, handling a high volume of daily flights.
Travelers are advised to check for any further updates from Montreal‑Trudeau Airport and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, though the checkpoint is now fully operational and processing passengers as usual.
The swift reopening demonstrates the agencies’ ability to address unexpected environmental issues while minimizing disruption to international travel.