New runway reopens at Calgary airport ahead of holiday travel surge

Calgary International Airport has reopened its west runway after years of construction, a significant infrastructure project timed to meet growing passenger demand ahead of the busy holiday season.

The Calgary Airport Authority projects passenger volumes could rise by as much as 40 per cent over the next five years, and officials say the new runway is critical to handling that growth.

“This brand new runway will serve the next 40 years,” said Chris Dinsdale, president and CEO of the Airport Authority. “It ensures we can continue growing as a city — in cargo, in tourism, and all the elements that come through this facility. This allows economic growth.”

The upgraded west runway provides pilots with an additional landing option during poor weather, which officials say will improve safety and reduce delays. Travellers are also expected to benefit from shorter taxi times, a frequent complaint during the construction period.

“During these two construction seasons it has been an inconvenience because flights had to go all the way around to the other runway,” Dinsdale said. “Now of course that goes away, so you will have less taxiing times, both inbound and outbound.”

Frequent flyer Rich Sutter, who travels through Calgary regularly for business, said the improvements are already noticeable.

“They’ve done a lot to improve the whole area of the airport inside and out,” he said. “It becomes a more friendly airport in terms of travelling for everyone that comes through here both internationally and domestically.”

Local travellers echoed that sentiment.

“It makes our life much easier. And Calgary is growing really fast,” said passenger Sandhu.

The west runway will see its first flight Friday and is scheduled to be fully operational by Dec. 2.