Part of Calgary airport damaged by hail to remain closed for 18 months

The part of Calgary’s airport damaged by a massive hailstorm earlier this month will be closed for at least a year and a half.

According to a release from the Calgary International Airport, the damage in the domestic terminal is significant and the 10 gates in Concourse B will remain closed for a minimum of 18 months after the roof was punctured by golf-ball sized hail on Aug. 5.

The roof damage from the hail also allowed heavy rain to enter the concourse during the evening thunderstorm that moved through northeast Calgary.

“We have completed the initial remediation work and are now developing a comprehensive plan to repair the roof and interior of concourse,” said Chris Miles, COO for the Calgary Airport Authority.

The repairs and closure are not expected to have an impact on travelers, according to officials. Other parts of YYC airport that sustained damage during the storm have returned to regular operations.

“We have been able to accommodate all flights through other parts of the terminal,” says Chris Dinsdale, president and CEO of the airport authority.

The airport authority say they are working to relocate and support businesses that are impact by the closure. The total cost of the repairs is not yet known, according to the airport.

Thousands of residents in northeast Calgary communities are still dealing with the aftermath of the storm that left its mark on houses and vehicles.

WestJet has said some planes damaged during the same storm likely won’t be back in service for several weeks. The company cancelled several flights in the wake of the storm that ended up grounding 10 per cent of its fleet.