Route Development
YYC Calgary Airport Reopens West Runway After Major $201M Upgrade
Calgary Airport Authority completes $201M rebuild of West Runway with CAT II upgrade and sustainability measures for future growth.
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.
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. 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. 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.
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.
When will the West Runway be fully operational? What was the total cost of the rehabilitation project? How does this project improve the passenger experience? What makes this project sustainable?
A New Era for YYC: The West Runway Returns
Engineering a Complete Lifecycle Replacement
Operational Efficiency and Safety Upgrades
Setting a New Standard for Sustainability
Conclusion
FAQ
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.
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.
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.
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
Photo Credit: YYC
Route Development
AnguillAir Starts Direct Seasonal Flights from U.S. Northeast to Anguilla
AnguillAir, a BermudAir brand, begins nonstop flights from Boston, Newark, and Baltimore to Anguilla’s upgraded airport through April 2026.
For the first time in history, travelers from the U.S. Northeast can fly nonstop to the Caribbean island of Anguilla, bypassing the traditional and often cumbersome connections through St. Maarten or Puerto Rico. AnguillAir, a new sub-brand operated by the boutique carrier BermudAir, officially launched its inaugural services this week.
According to reporting by Travel Weekly, the new carrier began operations on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, with a flight from Boston (BOS). This was followed by a Newark (EWR) launch on Thursday and a Baltimore/Washington (BWI) service commencing today, December 19. The flights are timed to coincide with the opening of the newly upgraded passenger terminal at Anguilla’s Clayton J. Lloyd International Airports (AXA).
The introduction of these routes represents a significant shift in regional Caribbean aviation, offering a “tarmac-to-tarmac” solution for high-end leisure travelers who previously relied on ferries or charter hops to reach the destination.
AnguillAir operates as a seasonal service, scheduled to run through April 2026. While marketed under the AnguillAir brand, the flights are operated by BermudAir using its existing Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC), flight crew, and fleet. Official scheduling data confirms the following operational timeline:
The routes will be served twice weekly using BermudAir’s fleet of Embraer E175 and E190 regional jets. These aircraft are configured to support a premium leisure product, with the E175 offering 10 Business Class and 60 Economy Class seats, while the E190 features 8 Business Class and 88 Economy Class seats.
Historically, access to Anguilla has been a logistical challenge for U.S. visitors. The standard journey involved a commercial-aircraft flight to St. Maarten (SXM), followed by a taxi to a ferry terminal, and finally a boat ride to Anguilla. Alternatively, travelers could connect via San Juan (SJU) onto smaller propeller aircraft.
In a statement regarding the launch, Adam Scott, Founder and CEO of BermudAir, emphasized the strategic intent behind the new brand:
“This is much more than a new route, it’s a reflection of what BermudAir was built to do: deliver extraordinary service while broadening our destination offerings. We’re thrilled that we are now able to extend the service and care we offer from Bermuda now also to our sister British Overseas Territory neighbour Anguilla.”
The launch of AnguillAir is closely coordinated with infrastructure developments on the island. The government of Anguilla recently opened a new terminal at Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport on December 15, 2025, specifically to handle increased capacity and direct jet service.
According to local officials, the government has provided support for the route, including a seat guarantee reported to cover up to 7,000 seats to mitigate the airline’s risk. Jose Vanterpool, Anguilla’s Minister of Infrastructure, highlighted the economic implications of the new service: “The reopening of the Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport marks a pivotal moment for Anguilla’s economic future. Our agreement with BermudAir to launch nonstop service from the U.S. Northeast is a crucial first step.”
The creation of AnguillAir represents a shrewd operational pivot for BermudAir. Launched in 2023 to serve the business and premium leisure market in Bermuda, the airlines faces significant seasonality issues, with demand for Bermuda dropping during the winter months. By deploying its aircraft to Anguilla, a warm-weather destination with peak demand from December to April, BermudAir can maximize fleet utilization without acquiring new assets.
We observe that this “pan-Caribbean” approach allows the carrier to act as a flexible capacity provider for British Overseas Territories, leveraging its existing regulatory standing and premium cabin configuration to serve niche, high-yield markets that major U.S. carriers may overlook.
Is AnguillAir a separate airline? What aircraft are used for these flights? Are these flights year-round? Do I need to take a ferry if I fly AnguillAir? Sources: Travel Weekly, BermudAir.
AnguillAir Launches Historic Direct Service from U.S. Northeast to Anguilla
Operational Details and Schedule
Addressing the “Access Issue”
Strategic Context and Infrastructure
AirPro News Analysis: BermudAir’s Counter-Seasonal Pivot
Frequently Asked Questions
No. AnguillAir is a brand name. All flights are operated by BermudAir using BermudAir aircraft and crew.
The routes utilize Embraer E175 and E190 regional jets.
No, the service is seasonal. Flights from Boston, Newark, and Baltimore operate from mid-December 2025 through April 2026.
No. These flights land directly at Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport (AXA) in Anguilla.
Photo Credit: Government of Anguilla
Route Development
ASUR Expands into US Market with $295M URW Airports Acquisition
ASUR acquires URW Airports for $295M to manage commercial operations at major US airports, diversifying revenue and gaining USD exposure.
This article is based on official press releases and financial filings from Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste (ASUR).
Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste (ASUR), the international airport group known for operating Cancún Airport and hubs across Colombia and Puerto Rico, has officially entered the United States market. According to a company announcement released on December 11, 2025, ASUR has completed the acquisition of URW Airports, LLC, marking a significant strategic pivot for the Mexico-based operator.
The transaction, valued at an enterprise value of $295 million USD, was executed through the company’s subsidiary, ASUR US Commercial Airports, LLC. This move transforms ASUR from a regional infrastructure operator into a diversified player with a direct commercial footprint in some of the busiest aviation hubs in the United States.
In addition to this major expansion, ASUR released its passenger traffic report for November 2025 earlier this week, showing steady but mixed growth across its existing portfolio. We examine the details of the acquisition and the current operational climate below.
The acquisition of URW Airports, formerly owned by Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, represents a shift in business model for ASUR in the U.S. market. Unlike its operations in Mexico or Colombia, where it manages entire airport infrastructures, this acquisition focuses specifically on the high-margin segment of commercial management, including retail, dining, and passenger services.
Under the new operating name ASUR Airports, LLC, the company will now manage commercial programs at major U.S. terminals. According to the transaction details, the portfolio includes:
ASUR stated that this acquisition is designed to diversify revenue streams and leverage the group’s extensive experience in commercial development. By entering the mature U.S. travel market, ASUR gains exposure to USD-denominated revenue, potentially offsetting currency volatility in its Latin American markets.
Based on financial data from ASUR’s Q3 2025 report released in late October, the company was well-positioned to execute this all-cash transaction. The company reported cash reserves of approximately 16.2 billion MXN, allowing it to fund the $295 million purchase without significantly leveraging its balance sheet. While Q3 EBITDA showed a slight decline of 1.3% due to cost pressures, revenue had increased by 17.1% year-over-year, driven largely by construction services.
While the U.S. acquisition dominates the headlines, ASUR’s core business operations continue to show resilience. On December 8, 2025, the group released its traffic report for November 2025, revealing a consolidated year-over-year increase of 1.5% in passenger traffic, totaling 5.9 million passengers. The traffic report highlights a divergence in performance across ASUR’s three main geographic regions:
The completion of the URW Airports acquisition signals a maturation of ASUR’s corporate strategy. By securing a foothold in JFK, LAX, and ORD, ASUR is effectively hedging against the regional risks inherent in Latin American infrastructure operation. The “blue ocean” opportunity here is not in building runways, but in optimizing the retail spend of U.S. travelers.
Furthermore, the November traffic data suggests that while the Mexican market is stabilizing, Colombia has emerged as the current growth engine for the group. The dip in Puerto Rico remains a metric to watch as the company approaches its Q4 earnings report, but the injection of U.S. commercial revenue from the new acquisition may soon alter the complexion of ASUR’s balance sheet significantly.
What did ASUR acquire? Will ASUR operate the runways at JFK or LAX? How is ASUR’s traffic performing? Sources: ASUR Press Release (Dec 11, 2025), ASUR Traffic Report (Dec 8, 2025), SEC Filings (Form 6-K)
ASUR Enters U.S. Market with $295 Million Acquisition of URW Airports
Strategic Expansion: From Cancún to JFK
Portfolio Additions
Financial Context
Operational Update: November 2025 Traffic
Regional Performance Breakdown
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
ASUR acquired URW Airports, LLC, a commercial management firm operating in major U.S. airports, for an enterprise value of $295 million.
No. This acquisition focuses on commercial management (retail, dining, and services) within specific terminals, not the operation of the airfield or infrastructure.
As of November 2025, consolidated traffic is up 1.5% year-over-year, with Colombia leading growth (+5.9%) and Puerto Rico seeing a slight decline (-2.9%).
Photo Credit: URW Airports
Route Development
Austin Airport Activates New High-Capacity Baggage System Early
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport launched a new baggage system early, boosting capacity to 4,000 bags per hour and enhancing reliability.
This article is based on an official press release from the City of Austin and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) has officially activated its new outbound baggage handling system (BHS) months ahead of its original timeline. According to an official announcement from the City of Austin, the system went live in December 2025, beating the projected Spring 2026 completion date. This infrastructure upgrade represents a critical milestone in the airport’s multi-year “Journey With AUS” expansion program.
The new system, developed in partnership with Siemens Logistics, is designed to address long-standing reliability issues caused by aging infrastructure. By replacing a legacy system that was over two decades old, the airport has more than doubled its processing capacity. Officials state the new BHS can handle approximately 4,000 bags per hour, a significant increase from the previous limit of roughly 1,600 bags per hour.
Ghizlane Badawi, CEO of AUS, emphasized the importance of this project for the airport’s operational backbone:
“This project is a testament to the power of partnership and our commitment to delivering a world-class experience for our passengers. By strengthening the backbone of our airport operations, we are ensuring that Austin remains connected to the world reliably and efficiently.”
The newly activated system is housed within the airport’s expanded “West Infill” area, adding approximately 75,000 square feet to the terminal footprint. The project, executed by general contractor Whiting-Turner Contracting Company and architect Gensler, integrates advanced logistics technology to streamline baggage flow.
According to project details released by the airport, the core mechanical and control architecture was supplied by Siemens Logistics. The system features 1.5 miles of new conveyor belts, high-speed diverters, and vertical sorters. Unlike the previous infrastructure, which relied on older mechanical sorting, the new system utilizes a “smart” networked control architecture to track and route luggage with higher precision.
A primary driver for this $241.5 million upgrade was the structural inefficiency of the previous system. The old baggage handling setup was bifurcated into distinct “East” and “West” loops that were not connected. This lack of redundancy meant that if one side of the terminal faced a surge in volume, such as a bank of heavy flights departing from East gates, the system could not divert excess baggage to the underutilized West side.
The new unified system eliminates these silos, allowing for dynamic routing across the terminal. This redundancy is expected to drastically reduce the risk of missed bags and flight delays, particularly during Austin’s high-traffic events like South by Southwest (SXSW) and Formula 1 race weekends. The activation of the BHS is part of a broader strategy to prepare AUS for a projected 30 million annual passengers. The “Journey With AUS” program aims to modernize the facility to accommodate rapid regional growth through 2030 and beyond.
In addition to baggage handling, the West Infill project has created the necessary physical space for a future expansion of TSA Checkpoint 3. Plans indicate this checkpoint will eventually grow from two lanes to more than six, further alleviating terminal congestion.
The City of Austin confirmed that the $241.5 million project cost was funded entirely through airport cash reserves, revenue bonds, and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grants. No local tax dollars were utilized for the construction.
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson highlighted the economic implications of the upgrade:
“An efficient airport connects Austin to the world and makes our city more competitive. This investment ensures that as our community grows, our infrastructure keeps pace, supporting both tourism and local business.”
The early delivery of the AUS baggage handling system stands out in an era where major airport infrastructure projects frequently face delays due to supply chain constraints and labor shortages. By activating the system in December 2025 rather than Spring 2026, AUS has secured a vital operational buffer before the spring travel season.
Furthermore, the shift from a segmented system to a unified loop addresses a critical vulnerability common in mid-sized airports undergoing rapid expansion. As passenger volumes at AUS have swelled to over 22 million annually, the rigidity of the legacy system had become a single point of failure. This upgrade suggests a shift toward operational resilience, prioritizing “back-of-house” efficiency that, while invisible to passengers, directly impacts the reliability of their travel experience.
AUS Unveils High-Speed Baggage System Ahead of Schedule
Technical Specifications and Capacity Upgrades
Siemens Logistics Technology
Solving the “East vs. West” Bottleneck
Strategic Context and Funding
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
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