West Runway Rehabilitation 

Work has been completed on the removal and replacement of the West Runway at YYC.

In August 2021, Calgary Airports announced a $200-million major runway rehabilitation project for YYC’s West Runway, supported by $57.5-million from the federal Airport Critical Infrastructure Program (ACIP). This project will create an estimated 300 construction jobs, reinforcing YYC’s role as a key driver of Calgary’s economy.

On December 1, 2025, the West Runway reopened to flight traffic.

The original West Runway was built in 1939. Over the decades, as YYC Calgary International Airport expanded, aircraft were built heavier and faster, and flights became more frequent, so the runway infrastructure was nearing the end of its lifecycle. YYC is now the fourth busiest airport in Canada, the home hub for WestJet, and a key economic driver for the city and the region.

The rehabilitation project began with shovels in the ground in April, 2024. With flights diverted to other runways while work was undertaken through two construction seasons, the project was planned around several conservation initiatives. These included a water re-use program that saved close to two million litres of potable water, and recycling of more than 90 per cent of materials including asphalt, concrete, and electrical fixtures. The West Runway is one of the first airport projects in Canada to achieve Envision Framework certification for sustainable infrastructure.

With general contractor PCL Construction, the project was also completed under budget and with a near-perfect safety record, without diminishing airfield capacity.

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. 

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.

Phase 4 was completed ahead of schedule and the runway was reopened in December 2024.

Winter break 2024/2025

During the winter months construction will halted and all runways at YYC returned to full operation.

Phase 5 - 9

The West Runway re-opened on December 1, 2025.

The West Runway remained closed through phases 5 – 9.

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

Community information sessions 2025

In February 2025, Calgary Airports hosted information sessions to update local communities on the project and address questions about potential changes to aircraft movements for the upcoming construction season. Sessions were held as follows:

  • Feb. 18, 2025: 6 - 8 p.m. – Crossroads Community Association (1803 14 Ave NE)
  • Feb. 19, 2025: 6 - 8 p.m. – Vivo for Healthier Generations (11950 Country Village Link NE)
  • Feb. 20, 2025: 6 - 8 p.m. – Vivo for Healthier Generations (11950 Country Village Link NE)
  • Feb. 25, 2025: 6 - 8 p.m. – Genesis Centre (7555 Falconridge Blvd NE)
  • Feb. 26, 2025: 6 - 8 p.m. – Genesis Place (800 East Lake Blvd NE, Airdrie, AB)

Calgary Airports values the opportunity to engage with community members and provide updates on this vital infrastructure project. We extend our appreciation to surrounding communities for their patience and understanding, particularly regarding any changes in aircraft noise during construction. Projects like the West Runway Rehabilitation are essential to YYC and our city’s growth, supporting local employment and Calgary’s global connectivity.