Concourse B Restoration

Concourse B will be transformed into a world-class space for travellers after a historic hailstorm shut it down in August 2024.

Originally constructed in 1976, Concourse B at YYC Calgary International Airport has travellers for nearly five decades. But on August 5, 2024, a powerful hailstorm caused catastrophic damage, forcing a full closure of the concourse.

Now, one year later, Concourse B is undergoing a transformative restoration—designed to deliver a world-class guest experience for the future.

The storm

The August 2024 weather event was classified as a supercell thunderstorm—the rarest and most severe type of storm. Supercells are known for producing damaging winds, large hail, and sometimes tornadoes, driven by a rotating updraft called a mesocyclone.

In Calgary, golf-ball sized hail tore through the northeast quadrant, impacting over 60,000 homes and resulting in more than 130,000 insurance claims. The storm’s estimated cost reached $3.25 billion, making it the second costliest hailstorm in Calgary’s history.

The restoration

The restoration of Concourse B will bring the building up to modern code, with a focus on resilience, sustainability and guest comfort.

Key upgrades include:

• Removal of aging infrastructure
• Brighter, more spacious interiors
• Higher ceilings and roomier gates
• Unobstructed views of downtown Calgary and the Rocky Mountains

Construction teams spent seven months removing water-damaged materials. In Summer 2025, work began on replacing the roof—covering approximately 60,000 square feet with a durable, sustainable design. Repairs will also extend to other YYC roofing structures affected by the storm.

Concourse B is expected to begin a graduated public reopening in 2027.