Arrival of Syrian Refugees: Aeroports de Montreal Deploys an Effective Refugee Reception Structure

MONTRÉAL, QUÉBEC--(Marketwired - Dec. 8, 2015) - Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport has been chosen by the Government of Canada as the gateway for the arrival of flights carrying Syrian refugees. A section of the aeroquay, located away from the actual terminal, is reserved for this special operation. This new setup incorporates all the facilities needed for the airport process for welcoming the refuges to Canada, which can take as long as three or four hours. It includes a waiting room, primary and secondary customs inspection areas and a section reserved for Public Health Agency of Canada quarantine officers.

"Aéroports de Montréal is pleased to be contributing to the Canadian effort to welcome Syrian refugees," said James Cherry, President and Chief Executive Officer of ADM. "Together with federal government departments, we are making sure that the refugees are treated with the utmost humanity and efficiency."

"What's more, ADM is covering all the aeronautical fees for the flights," Mr. Cherry added.

All formal arrival procedures, including customs and immigration formalities, as well as emergency services, will take place at Gates 17 and 19 of the aeroquay, which are not accessible to the public or to other airport passengers. Once the formalities are completed, the refugees will immediately be taken by bus to the Canadian government reception site.

"We want to acknowledge the excellent collaboration of the Canada Border Services Agency and the Public Health Agency of Canada," Mr. Cherry said.