Table of Contents

1. MIRABEL AIRPORT: A FAILED DREAM ..........................................................................3

1.1 THE OBJECTIVES OF MIRABEL AIRPORT ..................................................................................5

1.2 THE SCOPE OF THE PROJECT ....................................................................................................5

2. PROJECT STAKEHOLDER ANALYSIS .................................................................................6

2.1 GOVERNMENT ENTITIES ...........................................................................................................8

2.2 OPERATIONAL STAKEHOLDERS ................................................................................................8
2.3 LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMUNITIES AND RESIDENTS ............................................................8
2.4 CONSTRUCTION AND ENGINEERING FIRM’S .............................................................................9
2.5 ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS........................................................................................................9
2.6 TOURISM INDUSTRY STAKEHOLDERS .......................................................................................9
2.7 REGULATORY BODIES ...............................................................................................................9
2.8 LABOUR STAKEHOLDERS ..........................................................................................................9

3. THEY PROJECT MANAGEMENT .........................................................................................9

3.1 DEVIATIONS FROM THE PLAN............................................................................................................9

3.1.1 UNDERESTIMATION OF FINANCIAL AND LOGISTICAL CHALLENGES ........................................ 9
3.1.2 SHIFT IN AVIATION INDUSTRY TRENDS .................................................................................... 11
3.1.3 INADEQUATE STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT ............................................................................ 11
3.1.4 LOCATION AND ACCESSIBILITY ISSUES ................................................................................................. 12
3.2 IMPACT OF DEVIATIONS .......................................................................................................... 12
3.2.1 ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL IMPACT ................................................................................................... 12
3.2.2 SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES ...................................................................... 12
3.2.3 OPERATIONAL INEFFICIENCIES AND TECHNOLOGICAL MISMATCHES ................................... 13

4. CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE PROJECT OUTCOME...................................................... 13

4.1 CRITICAL FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO FAILURE .................................................................. 13

4.2 REFLECTIONS AND LEARNINGS FOR FUTURE PROJECTS ........................................................ 14
4.2.1 MARKET RESEARCH AND FEASIBILITY STUDIES...................................................................... 14
4.2.2 COMPREHENSIVE STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT .................................................................... 15
4.2.3 ADAPTABILITY AND FLEXIBILITY .............................................................................................. 15
4.2.4 RISK MANAGEMENT AND CONTINGENCY PLANNING .............................................................. 15

REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................ 16
 1. Mirabel Airport: A Failed Dream

Figure 1: Mirabel Airport

Mirabel Airport, once envisioned as a symbol of modernity and progress in aviation, stands as
a poignant example of a failed large-scale infrastructure project. Located near Montreal,
Canada, its construction began in the late 1960s, with the airport officially opening in 1975.
Mirabel was conceived during an era of rapid growth in air travel, with the Canadian federal
government ambitiously aiming to establish a world-class international aviation hub.

The project was marked by its grand scale; it was planned to be the world's largest airport by
area. This vision was set against a backdrop of increasing air traffic and the emerging era of
supersonic jets, which were expected to revolutionize air travel (Poulin, 2022).

Mirabel Airport's objective was to serve as Montreal's primary international airport, taking over
international traffic from the existing Dorval Airport (now Montreal-Trudeau International
Airport). Represented in figure-2 The project occurred in the context of a booming aviation
industry and the expected need for larger airports to handle the anticipated growth. It was also
influenced by the socio-political climate of Quebec and Canada, including the rise of the
Quebec sovereignty movement and the 1976 Montreal Olympics, which placed a spotlight on
the region.

However, plagued by mismanagement, logistical oversights, and changing aviation dynamics,

Mirabel Airport never fulfilled its intended purpose and ceased its commercial operations,
becoming a symbol of unmet ambitions and flawed planning (The History of Mirabel Airport
- Part 1, n.d.).
 Figure-2

1.1 The Objectives of Mirabel Airport

The objectives of Mirabel airport was to serve as montreal's primary international airport and
To Drive Economic and Technological Development. The plan was to transfer all international
flights from the existing Dorval Airport (now Montreal-Trudeau International Airport) to
Mirabel, leaving Dorval to handle domestic flights. Mirabel was designed to handle an
expected surge in air traffic, particularly with the advent of supersonic travel, which required
longer runways and more space (Fragmented Territories: The Case Study of Mirabel Airport,
2017).Figure 2 shows the layout of the Mirabel Airport.

1.2 The Scope of the Project

They scope was vast, covering the construction of a massive airport complex with state-of-the-
art facilities, including 6 numbers of long runways 3.7 km long and 60m wide spread over 6000
acres of land, a large passenger terminal, and supporting infrastructure including a rail system
connecting airport and a new adjacent suburb. It also involved significant land acquisition and
the displacement of numerous local residents and businesses. The project was intended to set
new standards in airport design and operations, reflecting the optimism and ambition of the era
(Edwards, 2016).
2. Project Stakeholder Analysis

This stake holder analysis matrix helps in understanding the diverse range of stakeholders
involved in the Mirabel Airport project, their varying degrees of interest and influence, and
how their concerns and needs might have impacted the project's trajectory and outcomes.
Represented in figure-3.

Figure-3 Project Stakeholder Analysis: Power vs Interest Grid

 Table 1
Stakeholder Level of Desired Priority Action Points
Engagement Level of
Engagement
Government High Low High Keep satisfied.
Entities- Frequent updates
Federal and consultation on
Government of policy and funding
Canada,
Provincial
Government of
Quebec

Operational High High High Close coordination

Stakeholders- on operational
Airport management and
Authority, functionality
Airlines

Monitor for local

Local High Medium Medium government , keep
Government informed for local
Communities residents about
and Residents impacts on local
infrastructure and
community
Construction Work closely on
and High High High project execution
Engineering and leverage
Firm’s technical expertise
 Consultation on
Environmental High Medium Medium environmental
Groups impacts and
sustainability
measures
Tourism High Medium Medium Inform and involve
Industry in promoting
Stakeholders tourism and deriving
benefits
Regular updates and
Regulatory High High High compliance with
Bodies regulatory and
safety standards
Labour Engage on
Stakeholders Medium Medium Medium workforce issues
and labour
conditions

2.1 Government Entities

Both federal and provincial governments had high interest and influence, being crucial for
policy, funding, and approvals

2.2 Operational Stakeholders

They Airport Authority and Airlines were highly interested and influential, directly impacting
the airport’s operations and service standards.

2.3 Local Government Communities and Residents

These groups had high interest due to socio-economic effects and relocation issues, but their
influence was relatively moderate. Local governments had medium interest and influence,
dealing with community impacts and local infrastructure.
2.4 Construction and Engineering Firm’s
Essential for the project’s execution, these firms had high interest and influence, providing
technical expertise.

2.5 Environmental Groups

With medium interest and influence, they were concerned with the project’s environmental
impact and sustainability.

2.6 Tourism Industry Stakeholders

They tourism and hospitality industry, along with cargo and logistics companies, had medium
interest and influence, benefiting from the airport’s operation.

2.7 Regulatory Bodies

Aviation authorities were highly interested and influential, focusing on regulatory compliance
and safety standards.

2.8 Labour Stakeholders

Labour unions and employees, with high interest in labour conditions and workforce
availability, had moderate influence on the project.

3. They Project Management

3.1 Devia*ons from the Plan

The Airport project, while grand in its vision, encountered significant deviations from its
original plan. These deviations were multifaceted, stemming from underestimations and
misjudgements in various aspects of the project’s scope and execution.

3.1.1 Underestimation of Financial and Logistical Challenges

One of the most critical deviations from the initial plan was the gross underestimation of the
financial and logistical complexities involved in constructing one of the world’s largest
airports. The International Airport costed approximately $500 million to build in 1975.The
equivalent of about $2.2 billion in 2014 (Elliott, 2014).The project’s scale and technological
ambition led to substantial cost overruns that far exceeded the initial budget. They logistical
challenges, including the construction of extensive infrastructure and the integration of
advanced technological systems, were more significant than anticipated. These issues were
compounded by delays that disrupted the project timeline, further inflating costs and eroding
stakeholder confidence.

Figure 4
 Figure-5
3.1.2 Shift in Aviation Industry Trends

The Mirabel Airport was designed with a futuristic vision of air travel, heavily predicated on
the expected proliferation of supersonic travel(Jeanniot, 2015). This expectation influenced
many aspects of the airport's design, from the length of runways to the scale of the terminals.
However, the anticipated boom in supersonic air travel did not materialize in the way the
planners had expected. Figure 4 and 5 shows anticipated air tavel at Mirabel Airport and
Dorvial Airport.The industry's shift away from this trend left Mirabel Airport with oversized
and underutilized facilities, making much of its infrastructure redundant. This misalignment
with actual industry trends resulted in an airport that was not fully equipped to meet the needs
of the majority of commercial air traffic.

3.1.3 Inadequate Stakeholder Engagement

Another significant deviation was the project's failure to effectively engage and align with key
stakeholders. This included both the airlines, which were reluctant to move their operations
from the more conveniently located Dorval Airport, and the local communities affected by the
large-scale land expropriation. The lack of buy-in from airlines meant that Mirabel Airport did
not receive the volume of traffic it was built to handle. Simultaneously, public opposition from
local communities further tarnished the project's image and contributed to its unpopularity.
Effective stakeholder engagement could have provided crucial insights and potentially averted
some of the project's shortcomings(The History of Mirabel Airport - Part 1, n.d.).

3.1.4 Loca*on and Accessibility Issues

The airport's remote location, compounded by inadequate transport links to the city, deterred
both airlines and passengers. The importance of convenience and accessibility in airport design
was significantly underestimated. The distance between the Montreal Downtown and Mirabel
Airport was 50 miles apart. The presence of Dorval Airport inside city further deterred the
passengers from using the new airport(Fragmented Territories: The Case Study of Mirabel
Airport, 2017b).

3.2 Impact of Deviations

The deviations from the original plan in the Mirabel Airport project had profound and far-
reaching impacts, contributing to its ultimate underperformance and underutilization.

3.2.1 Economic and Financial Impact

The substantial cost overruns and delays due to the project's scale and complexity placed a
significant financial burden on the government and stakeholders. The Mirabel International
Airport cost approximately $500 million to build in 1975 .Which is an equivalent of about $2.2
billion in 2014(Elliott, 2014).The underestimation of financial and logistical challenges led to
unanticipated expenses, straining public resources and diminishing the project's economic
viability. Furthermore, the failure to attract the projected volume of air traffic resulted in a
lower return on investment, with the airport's expansive infrastructure remaining largely
underutilized. This economic impact was a critical factor in the decision to eventually reduce
operations at Mirabel.

3.2.2 Social and Environmental Consequences

The large-scale land acquisition and subsequent displacement of residents not only generated
public opposition but also had lasting social repercussions. It disrupted local communities,
affecting livelihoods and creating a sentiment of disenfranchisement among those affected. A
plan was hatched to expropriate tens of thousands of acres of farmland in the rural areas outside
of Montreal and build a massive new airport. The environmental impact of such a massive
construction project, including potential damage to local ecosystems, was another aspect that
contributed to negative public perception and added to the project's challenges (Editor, 2011).

3.2.3 Operational Inefficiencies and Technological Mismatches

The technological overestimation led to operational inefficiencies. The airport, equipped with
advanced systems designed for a much higher volume of traffic, faced challenges in
maintaining and justifying these systems for the limited operations it conducted. This mismatch
in technology and operations added unnecessary complexity and costs, further detracting from
the airport's efficiency and appeal. It was envisaged that, within a decade, hundreds of
supersonic airplanes would be operating, and that the number of passengers would grow at the
same double digit rate, possibly reaching over 50 million passengers a year. While the actual
airport hardly saw 5-6 million passengers each year (Jeanniot, 2015).This lead the airport
terminals to be scraped in 2014.The airport being unsustainable in maintenance cost is now
used for cargo handling purposes.

4. Critical analysis of the project outcome

The outcome of the Mirabel Airport project, widely regarded as a notable failure in large-scale
infrastructure development, offers critical insights and lessons for project management. This
analysis identifies the key factors contributing to its shortcomings and reflects on the learnings
and practices that can be derived for future projects.

4.1 Critical Factors Contributing to Failure

It became clear in 2004 that Mirabel Airport could not sustain continued passenger services.
Air Transat was the last carrier to stick to the end, flying services to Paris until 31st October
2004, the last passenger flight from the airport (Pande, 2022).The airport now operates cargo
flights. The most of the terminal building demolished in 2014 , reflecting on the Mirabel Airport
project offers valuable insights and learnings for future project management endeavours. The
project's trajectory underscores the critical importance of thorough market research and
feasibility studies. A deep understanding of current and projected market needs is fundamental
to ensuring that a project aligns with its intended goals. Additionally, the project highlighted
the vital role of comprehensive stakeholder engagement. Actively involving all stakeholders,
from conception through execution, and understanding their needs and concerns should be a
key focus. This includes integrating their feedback into both the planning and operational
phases of a project.

Another significant learning is the necessity for adaptability and flexibility in project
management. The ability to respond to changing circumstances and adjust plans as necessary
is essential for the successful execution of complex projects. Identifying potential risks early
on and having effective strategies in place to mitigate these risks can help in navigating
unforeseen challenges, thus preventing project delays and controlling cost escalations.

4.2 Reflections and Learnings for Future Projects

Reflecting on the Mirabel Airport project, several key learnings emerge that are crucial for the
success of future large-scale projects.Figure 6 shows a deserted terminal at Mirabel Airport.

Figure 6

4.2.1 Market Research and Feasibility Studies

One of the most critical lessons from the Mirabel Airport project is the importance of
conducting thorough market research and feasibility studies. The project's misalignment with
aviation industry trends underlines the need for a deep understanding of both current and
projected market needs. Future projects should invest significantly in researching market
trends, customer preferences, and technological advancements to ensure that the project
remains relevant and meets its intended goals.

4.2.2 Comprehensive Stakeholder Engagement

The project also highlighted the vital role of comprehensive stakeholder engagement. The lack
of sufficient engagement with key stakeholders, such as local communities, airlines, and
governmental entities, adversely affected the project. Future endeavours should focus on
actively involving all stakeholders from the early stages, understanding their needs and
concerns, and incorporating their feedback into both planning and execution. This inclusive
approach can build support, foster collaboration, and enhance project outcomes.
4.2.3 Adaptability and Flexibility
Another key insight is the need for adaptability and flexibility in project management. The
Mirabel Airport project suffered from a rigid adherence to its initial plans despite changing
circumstances and emerging challenges. Future projects should be managed with a degree of
flexibility, allowing for adjustments and modifications in response to new information,
stakeholder feedback, or shifting external conditions. This adaptive approach can help navigate
complexities and improve project resilience.

4.2.4 Risk Management and Contingency Planning

Finally, the Mirabel Airport project underscores the importance of proactive risk management
and contingency planning. Identifying potential risks early on and developing strategies to
mitigate these risks is essential. Future projects should incorporate robust risk assessment
processes and establish contingency plans to address potential challenges. This proactive stance
can help in minimizing the impact of unforeseen events, thereby preventing project delays and
avoiding cost escalations.
References

Edwards, B. (2016). Breaking new ground: Montreal—Mirabel International Airport, mass

aeromobility, and megaproject development in 1960s and 1970s Canada. Journal of Canadian
Studies, 50(1), 5–35. https://doi.org/10.3138/jcs.2016.50.1.5

Editor. (2011, December 16). Nerdy notes: Canada’s white elephant. JFR Blog.
https://lewislitjournal.wordpress.com/2011/12/15/nerdy-notes-canadas-white-elephant/

Elliott, J. (2014, August 20). Montreal’s abandoned Mirabel Airport too costly to repurpose.
CTVNews. https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/montreal-s-abandoned-mirabel-airport-too-
costly-to-repurpose-
1.1967712?cache=ahlalmzxbysj#:~:text=The%20Mirabel%20International%20Airport%20co
st,after%20the%20airport%20was%20abandoned

Fragmented Territories: The case study of Mirabel Airport. (2017, December 20). Issuu.
https://issuu.com/genevievedepelteau/docs/fragmented_territories

Jeanniot, P. (2015, May 15). Mirabel Airport – A Failed Dream – Pierre Jeanniot.
https://pierrejeanniot.com/mirabel-airport-a-failed-dream/

Pande, P. (2022, March 2). Mirabel International: The History Of Montréal's Other Airport.
Simple Flying. https://simpleflying.com/montreal-mirabel-
history/#:~:text=Eventually%2C%20the%20government%20decided%20that,over%20the%2
0next%20few%20years.

Poulin, É. G. (2022). Mirabel Airport: In the name of development, modernity, and Canadian
unity. Economic Anthropology, 10(1), 19–31. https://doi.org/10.1002/sea2.12252

The History of Mirabel Airport - Part 1. (n.d.). A Visual History of the World’s Great
Airports. https://www.airporthistory.org/mirabel-
1.html#:~:text=Introduction,terminals%20in%20its%20final%20layout.