YYC’s major projects

Running one of the country’s busiest airports is a big job. To do it in the best possible way, we routinely perform major improvement projects with careful consideration for operations and community impacts.

The West Runway Rehabilitation Project

The Calgary Airport Authority has launched a major construction project to maintain the safety, security and efficiency of the airport. The work will ensure YYC is able to safely operate while meeting the demands of passenger and cargo traffic over the next 40 years. Announced in August 2021, this $201 million major construction project is receiving $57.5 million from the federal Airport Critical Infrastructure Program. It will create an estimated 300 construction jobs, enabling The Authority to further contribute to strengthening Calgary’s economy.

The scope of the project includes the removal and replacement of the west runway, which involves full-depth structural and electrical rehabilitation. At the same time, the runway environment will also be modernized, including approaches, lighting and infrastructure. The west runway was originally constructed in 1939 and designed for aircraft lighter than those used today. Numerous projects have been completed over the past 80 years to maintain the structural capacity and to prolong the runway’s lifespan. However, studies completed in recent years have confirmed the runway will be reaching the end of its useful life and that a full rehabilitation is necessary.

Construction commenced April 2024 and will continue in phases until December 2025.

What has been done (Phase 1)

Phase 1 of the West Runway Rehabilitation project was completed on time, despite challenging weather and water restrictions in Calgary.

During Phase 1, crews removed 13,000 cubic meters of asphalt, which will be reused throughout the project to help YYC meet our goal to reuse 80% of materials. Concrete from the existing runway was also crushed and reused in the rebuilding of the runway, with paving having begun in early July.

Construction of two new service roads has also progressed on schedule. Key runway sections are being removed, crushed and reused, while new shoulders, drainage and manholes are being installed. Phase 1 also focused on the addition of safety areas on both the south and north ends of the runway. These safety areas are regulatory requirements and were prioritized during this initial phase.

What to expect in 2024 (Phase 2 - 4)

Phase 2 of construction officially began on July 15, 2024, closing the intersection of runways 17R-35L (West Runway) and 11-29 (Crosswind Runway) for rehabilitation.

This phase was reviewed and approved in 2022 alongside significant consultation with NAV Canada, airlines and cargo partners. The decision to close the Crosswind Runway was made based on historical wind data showing low wind risks in July, August and September. If winds exceed 15 knots, operators may use parallel runways, hold or divert.

In Phase 2, a shortened West Runway will be available for arrivals on 35L and departures on 17R. NAV Canada will direct usage of the shortened runway to maintain the commercial schedule and airfield capacity. During this phase, communities in northwest Calgary might experience reduced number of aircraft over their neighbourhoods in comparison to the increase in flights during Phase 1. Following the completion of Phase 2, the Crosswind Runway will reopen. This will mean that three total runways will be operational at that time with the reduced West Runway still available for utilization.

During Phase 3 construction crews will work to finish the northern section of the West Runway, with the goal of it being fully open over the winter months.

In Phase 4, the whole West Runway will be closed in order to allow for required regulatory inspections. The runway will reopen in December 2024.

This is expected to be the final phase of 2024.

Winter 2024/2025

During the winter months construction will be halted and all runways at YYC will return to full operation. Local communities can expect aircraft movements to return to normal during this time. The exact date that construction will end for the Winter 2025 season is dependent on weather. The Calgary Airport Authority will share updates when available.

2025 (Phase 5 – 9)

Once construction can begin in the spring 2025, the West Runway will be closed and is expected to remain closed through phases 5 – 9.

During this construction season, crews will focus on the middle and southern portions of the runway. Throughout the 2025 construction season, the Crosswind Runway will remain open along with the Runway 17L-35R (East Runway).

Concourse B Rehabilitation Project

Following an assessment of damage caused by the devastating Aug. 5, 2024, hailstorm, The Calgary Airport Authority now anticipates Concourse B at YYC Calgary International Airport will remain closed for a minimum of 18 months it undertakes restoration work.
Despite the closure of YYC’s Concourse B and its gates (gates 31-40), The Authority does not foresee any impact to guests or airport operations while this area remains out of service. While there was some damage to other parts of the terminal, those areas have since been returned to regular operations.

Community Impact

Throughout the project, there will be increased use of the crosswind runway that places aircraft over parts of northwest Calgary and southeast Calgary. During the expedited periods of construction, those communities will experience a higher volume of traffic overhead.

We are sensitive to the concerns of Calgarians and along with our partners, we strive to mitigate and minimize noise when possible. We thank them in advance for their patience and support as we make the updates needed to keep air travel safe and to help grow our economy.

The Authority will continue to work closely with community associations, government agencies and airlines to address noise concerns through our regular consultation committee so we may balance resident concerns with the demands and benefits of air travel and cargo transport.

Project Partners

After an extensive evaluation process, the Calgary Airport Authority selected PCL Construction as our Construction Manager for this critical multi-phase project.

“A project of this scale and cost is a critical part of YYC’s future as one of Canada’s busiest travel and cargo hubs,” said Chris Miles, VP Operations & Infrastructure. “ PCL has industry leading experience, and we are confident in their ability to work together with the Authority to deliver the rehabilitated West Runway safely and securely.”