The Calgary Airport Authority officially announced on Wednesday the completion of its $200 million West Runway Rehabilitation project, marking a significant milestone in the airport’s long-term infrastructure strategy. The extensive two-year construction program involved the complete removal and reconstruction of the airport’s west runway, a critical asset originally built in 1939. This “generational” project was delivered on schedule, with the runway set to fully reopen to air traffic on December 2, 2025.
The revitalization ensures that Calgary International Airport (YYC), the fourth busiest in Canada, maintains its capacity to handle increasing passenger volumes and modern aircraft weights, securing its position as a key logistics and travel hub for Western Canada. The successful delivery of the project without disrupting ongoing flight operations underscores the precise planning executed by the airport authority and its construction partners.
Enhanced Resilience and Operational Efficiency
While the primary goal of the project was to replace aging infrastructure, the rehabilitation has introduced significant operational enhancements that will benefit airlines and passengers alike. The new runway features upgraded electrical systems and state-of-the-art LED lighting, which improve energy efficiency and visibility during low-light conditions. Crucially, the modernization includes advanced pavement structures designed to meet contemporary safety standards for landing in inclement weather.
Chris Miles, Chief Operating Officer of the airport authority, emphasized that having the west runway fully operational provides a critical layer of resilience. Further, allowing for simultaneous operations while other runways undergo winter maintenance, such as snow removal. This redundancy is vital for maintaining schedule reliability during Calgary’s harsh winter months. In addition, it ensures that the airport can sustain its record-breaking passenger traffic, which reached 18.9 million in 2024.
Sustainable Construction and Technical Precision
The project was not merely a resurfacing job but a complete structural overhaul that prioritized sustainability and technical innovation. The construction process involved the excavation and recycling of approximately 13,000 cubic meters of asphalt and other materials. This aligns with the aviation industry’s growing push for greener construction practices. By recycling materials on-site, the project significantly reduced the carbon footprint associated with transporting waste and raw aggregates. The scope of work also extended beneath the surface. It involved comprehensive upgrades to the subsurface infrastructure to support the heavier loads of modern wide-body aircraft. These improvements are expected to extend the runway’s operational lifespan by another 40 years, effectively future-proofing the asset against the demands of next-generation aviation technology and anticipated traffic growth.
Positioning Calgary as a Premier Global Hub
The completion of the West Runway comes at a strategic time for Calgary International Airport, which is actively positioning itself as a top-tier global connector. This infrastructure investment coincides with the $1.47B Marriott-driven hotel boom redefining Calgary’s Culture + Entertainment District and complements the airport’s broader growth strategy, which includes expanding its role as the global headquarters for WestJet and a major cargo hub. By fortifying its core infrastructure, YYC is signaling to international carriers that it possesses the capacity and reliability required for long-haul expansion.
This project mirrors similar high-profile runway rehabilitations at major hubs like Toronto Pearson and Vancouver International, but with a distinct focus on supporting the rapid economic diversification of Alberta. As the province moves beyond its traditional energy sector roots, the airport serves as a critical engine for tourism and business connectivity, ensuring Calgary remains “open to the world” with world-class facilities capable of supporting the region’s economic ambitions for decades to come.
Calgary Airport West Runway Project: Factsheet
Location: Calgary International Airport (YYC), Alberta, Canada
Developer: Calgary Airport Authority
Project Type: Runway Rehabilitation / Infrastructure Upgrade
Investment: $200 Million
Timeline: April 2024 – November 2025 (2 years)
Status: Construction Complete; Operational Dec 2, 2025
Key Stats
Material Recycled: 13,000 cubic meters of asphalt/materials
Lifespan Extension: 40 years
Airport Rank: 4th busiest in Canada (18.9M passengers in 2024)
Key Features
Complete removal and replacement of 1939-era runway
Installation of energy-efficient LED lighting systems
Enhanced pavement for heavy aircraft and poor weather
Upgraded subsurface infrastructure
Strategic Context
Resilience: Allows dual-runway operations during winter snow removal.
Sustainability: Focus on material recycling and energy efficiency.
Capacity: Supports continued passenger and cargo growth without expanding footprint.
