‘Rotten eggs’ smell returns to NE Calgary neighbourhoods near airport
Posted Mar 18, 2026 5:18 pm.
Last Updated Mar 18, 2026 7:06 pm.
A foul smell is once again drifting through communities in northeast Calgary, with some residents choosing to stay indoors rather than face the odour.
On warmer spring days, the sulphur-like scent, often compared to rotten eggs, settles over backyards and parks in areas surrounding Calgary International Airport.
Resident Karthik Appani says the smell is strong enough to keep his family inside.
“We live indoor man, like you know. We don’t come outside when we feel that,” he said.
Usman Ali, who also lives in the area, says the odour disrupts his children’s playtime.
“My kid is playing, and he’s complaining that there’s lots of smell, and goes back inside again.”
The source of the stench is linked to the airport’s de‑icing operations. Fluid used to keep aircraft safe in winter collects in retention ponds, which can release a strong smell as temperatures rise.
Calgary Fire Department spokesperson Alex Kwan says the seasonal issue is well‑known, but residents shouldn’t hesitate to report concerns.
“If you’re at all concerned and unsure about what the smell is and if it’s potentially hazardous, then we do encourage you to call 911,” Kwan said. “We’ll have crews go and investigate, just to be sure.”
In a statement to CityNews, Calgary Airports acknowledged the impact on nearby neighbourhoods and said it is working on long‑term solutions expected in 2027.
In the meantime, the airport’s environmental team is taking steps each spring to reduce odours, including water treatment, aeration, stormline cleaning, and pond dredging.
