After a comprehensive two-year, $200 million reconstruction project, the Calgary International Airport has officially reopened its critical west runway, marking a significant milestone for aviation capacity in Southern Alberta.
Major Infrastructure Investment Complete
The ceremonial ribbon-cutting took place on Thursday, November 27, 2025, with the runway becoming fully operational for flights beginning Friday. This massive infrastructure project represents one of the most significant investments in the airport's recent history, with funding comprising $57.5 million from Transport Canada's Airport Critical Infrastructure Program and $142.5 million from Calgary Airports Authority.
Building for Future Growth
Chris Miles, Chief Operating Officer of the Calgary International Airport, emphasized the strategic importance of this project during the opening ceremony. "In 2024, we had 18 million passengers, and in 2025, we're going to have another record," Miles stated. "What this runway represents is just additional resiliency, capacity, and it's an investment in 40 years of growth."
The extensive rehabilitation work involved excavating and reconstructing the runway to a depth of three to four feet in certain areas, requiring significant material removal and replacement. The entire project spanned six years from conception to completion, including four years of meticulous planning followed by two years of intensive construction.
Enhanced Operational Capabilities
The reopening of the west runway substantially boosts the airport's operational capacity. With both east and west runways now fully functional, the airport can handle up to 88 arrival and departure movements per hour, providing crucial flexibility during peak travel times and adverse weather conditions.
Notable technological improvements include the installation of energy-efficient LED lighting systems and enhanced instrumentation that allows for safer landings during challenging weather scenarios. These upgrades position Calgary International Airport to better serve the growing passenger volumes that have been setting consecutive records.
Remarkably, the massive construction project recorded only one minor safety incident—a reported slip and fall—throughout its entire duration. Miles attributed this outstanding safety record to the airport's unwavering focus on security protocols. "Safety and security is always number one, and it was just a lightning focus on it to constantly be looking at it," he explained. "The last thing you want is if someone's not getting home safe. Everyone's got families and it's our number one priority."
The completed west runway rehabilitation project now stands as a testament to Calgary's commitment to maintaining world-class aviation infrastructure that will support the region's economic growth and transportation needs for decades to come.
