YYC Calgary Airport Reopens West Runway After Major $201M Upgrade

A New Era for YYC: The West Runway Returns

On November 27, 2025, The Calgary Airport Authority marked a significant milestone in Canadian aviation infrastructure with the official reopening of the West Runway (Runway 17R-35L). This event concludes a comprehensive two-year rehabilitation project that required a substantial investment of approximately $201 million. As the longest runway at YYC Calgary International Airport, measuring 12,500 feet, this asset is critical to the region’s connectivity. The project was not simply a resurfacing effort but a complete structural rebuild designed to modernize the airport’s capabilities for decades to come.

The reopening comes at a pivotal moment for the airport, which serves as a major economic engine for Calgary and the province of Alberta. With commercial flights scheduled to resume landing on the runway on Friday, November 28, 2025, and full operational capacity expected by December 2, 2025, the timing aligns with projected surges in passenger traffic. We see this development as a strategic move to bolster the airport’s operational resilience, ensuring it can handle the demands of modern aviation while adhering to strict environmental standards.

Funding for this massive undertaking was a collaborative effort between the federal government and the airport authority. The Government of Canada, through Transport Canada’s Airport Critical Infrastructure Program, contributed $57.5 million, recognizing the runway’s importance to the national supply chain and travel network. The remaining $143.5 million was funded directly by The Calgary Airport Authority. This financial commitment underscores the long-term vision for YYC, positioning it to support both passenger growth and critical cargo movements efficiently.

Engineering a Complete Lifecycle Replacement

The scope of the West Runway Rehabilitation Project extended far beyond standard maintenance. Originally constructed in 1939, the runway required a complete lifecycle replacement to meet the demands of heavier, modern aircraft and increased traffic frequency. PCL Construction, serving as the general contractor, led the effort to remove and replace the entire pavement structure. This foundational work ensures that the runway will remain operational and safe for another 40 years, effectively resetting the clock on one of the airport’s most vital assets.

In addition to the pavement overhaul, the project included significant upgrades to the runway’s electrical and lighting systems. The installation of energy-efficient LED lighting replaces the outdated incandescent fixtures, providing superior visibility for pilots while reducing energy consumption. Furthermore, the project addressed subsurface infrastructure, replacing drainage and storm systems to improve climate resilience. These improvements are essential for maintaining operations during severe weather events, which are not uncommon in the region.

We also note the inclusion of critical safety enhancements that bring the runway in line with modern international standards. The rehabilitation included the addition of Runway End Safety Areas (RESA), which provide an extra margin of safety for aircraft. These structural and technological upgrades represent a holistic approach to infrastructure management, prioritizing both current operational needs and future safety requirements.

“This is critical infrastructure… We forecast that our passenger volumes could increase up to 40 per cent within the next five years. Everything we build now is made to meet that moment, to elevate passenger experience, and to make our operations more efficient and sustainable.”, Chris Dinsdale, President & CEO, The Calgary Airport Authority.

Operational Efficiency and Safety Upgrades

One of the most significant operational improvements resulting from this project is the upgrade to a Category 2 (CAT II) runway status. This certification allows for aircraft landings in lower visibility conditions, such as dense fog, which has historically been a challenge for flight schedules. By enabling landings in poorer weather, the airport can significantly reduce the number of flight diversions and delays. This upgrade directly translates to a more reliable schedule for passengers and airlines alike, minimizing the ripple effects of weather-related disruptions.

The return of the West Runway also restores the airport’s ability to balance air traffic effectively between its parallel runways. For the past two years, the airport has operated with reduced capacity, often leading to longer taxi times and increased pressure on the East Runway. With the West Runway back online, passengers landing on the west side of the airfield can expect to save approximately five minutes in taxi time per flight. This efficiency gain, while seemingly small on an individual level, aggregates to substantial time and fuel savings across thousands of annual flights.

Furthermore, the reopening facilitates necessary maintenance on other parts of the airfield. With the West Runway fully operational, the airport gains the flexibility to conduct routine upkeep on the East Runway without severely impacting overall capacity. This redundancy is vital for a major international hub, ensuring that maintenance schedules do not interfere with the airport’s primary mandate of moving people and goods safely and efficiently.

“Safety and security is always No. 1… The reopening of the runway represents an investment in growth. In 2024, we had 18 million passengers, [and] in 2025, we’re going to have another record.”, Chris Miles, Chief Operating Officer, The Calgary Airport Authority.

Setting a New Standard for Sustainability

The West Runway project distinguishes itself through its rigorous commitment to environmental stewardship. It is one of the first airport projects in Canada to pursue and achieve certification under the Envision Framework, with a Gold level certification anticipated from the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure. This framework evaluates the sustainability and resilience of civil infrastructure, and YYC’s adherence to these standards sets a precedent for future aviation projects across the country.

A key component of this sustainability strategy was the aggressive recycling of construction materials. We understand that approximately 90% of the materials from the old runway, including asphalt, concrete, and electrical fixtures, were recycled or reused on-site. This approach significantly reduced the volume of waste sent to landfills and minimized the carbon footprint associated with transporting new materials to the construction site. Additionally, the project utilized CarbonCure technology, which injects captured carbon dioxide into fresh concrete, permanently sequestering it and reducing the overall embodied carbon of the new pavement.

Water conservation also played a major role during the construction phase. The project team implemented a water re-use program that saved nearly 2 million liters of potable water. In a region where water resource management is increasingly important, such measures demonstrate a responsible approach to large-scale construction. These initiatives reflect a broader shift in the aviation industry toward balancing necessary infrastructure growth with environmental responsibility.

Conclusion

The reopening of the West Runway at YYC Calgary International Airport marks the successful conclusion of a complex, high-stakes infrastructure project. By investing $201 million into a complete rebuild, the airport has secured its operational capacity for the next four decades. The integration of advanced safety features, such as the CAT II upgrade, alongside industry-leading sustainability practices, positions YYC as a forward-thinking leader in the aviation sector. As passenger volumes are projected to rise by 40% over the next five years, this infrastructure is not merely a replacement of the old but a foundation for future growth.

Looking ahead, the benefits of this project will be felt immediately by travelers through reduced delays and shorter taxi times. However, the long-term value lies in the airport’s enhanced resilience against climate challenges and economic shifts. As Calgary continues to expand as a global hub, the modernized West Runway stands as a testament to the importance of proactive investment in critical infrastructure.

FAQ

When will the West Runway be fully operational?
Commercial flights are scheduled to resume landing on the runway on Friday, November 28, 2025. The runway is expected to reach full operational capacity by December 2, 2025.

What was the total cost of the rehabilitation project?
The total cost of the project was approximately $201 million CAD. This was funded by a combination of $57.5 million from the Government of Canada and $143.5 million from The Calgary Airport Authority.

How does this project improve the passenger experience?
The project improves experience by upgrading the runway to Category 2 status, which allows for landings in lower visibility, reducing diversions and delays. Additionally, utilizing the West Runway can reduce taxi times by approximately five minutes for flights landing on that side of the airport.

What makes this project sustainable?
The project is Envision Framework certified. It achieved this by recycling approximately 90% of materials from the old runway, using CarbonCure technology to sequester CO2 in the concrete, and implementing a water re-use program that saved nearly 2 million liters of water.

Sources

YYC Calgary International Airport