North Runway Modernization


 

About the Program

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is undertaking a modernization program to upgrade the North Runway.

Built in the 1990s, the North Runway requires upgrades to ensure the longevity and resilience of this critical piece of airport infrastructure.

The North Runway Program will deliver paving and infrastructure improvements that will better serve YVR’s aviation partners and airlines for years to come.

The North Runway Program includes:

  • A complete asphalt overlay of the runway and connecting taxiways
  • Drainage improvements
  • Electrical improvements and new LED lighting along the runway edge

We have partnered with Kiewit and Tristar Electric to deliver our North Runway Program

Read more about the program and watch our video series on our Newsroom.


Program Benefits

Safety

Safety is our top priority. The North Runway meets all regulatory requirements. YVR’s runway and airfield maintenance program includes monitoring, inspections, and activities that ensure the continued safety and efficiency of aircraft operations.

Paving and infrastructure improvements will ensure the runway’s longevity and resilience.

Reliability

Work to deliver paving and infrastructure improvements will take place during the runway’s existing standard nightly closure period of 10:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m. The North Runway will return to service each morning and we do not anticipate an impact to flight schedules as a result of this program.

Serving our community and the economy that supports it

The overall program is estimated at $133 million. The program will generate an additional 100,000 person hours of work during construction, resulting in new jobs and economic value for the region.


Timeline



Program by the Numbers




Frequently Asked Questions


Originally constructed and opened in 1996, YVR’s North Runway handles nearly 50 per cent of all landings and takeoffs and will be treated to a series of upgrades designed to enhance the resiliency of operations and enable continued growth. Beginning spring 2025, YVR will conduct paving and infrastructure improvements on this critical piece of airport infrastructure which, once complete later the same year, will better serve aviation partners and airlines for years to come.

We do not anticipate an impact to flight schedules as a result of the North Runway Program. Work to deliver paving and infrastructure upgrades will take place during the runway’s existing standard nightly closure period of 10:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m. The North Runway will return to service each morning.

The majority of work on our North Runway is scheduled to begin April 2025 and has a targeted end date of October 2025.

Our surrounding community may notice a shift in aircraft noise from temporary changes to runway use during work as part of our North Runway Program. YVR operates a dual runway system, with the South Runway generally used for departures and the North Runway for arrivals during daytime between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. However, as work to pave and deliver infrastructure improvements to the North Runway advances, the North Runway may be temporarily used for daytime departures.  

Some communities may have noticed a shift in aircraft noise from March through May 2025, when the North Runway was temporarily used for daytime departures during this scheduled work on our airfield. As of 7:00 a.m. on May 22, we have returned to standard runway configuration.  When there are changes to our standard runway use, we will post information on our Newsroom, news.yvr.ca. We do not anticipate noise or light impacts from construction. 

Equipment will be delivered at start of construction. Trucks will be bringing asphalt to the site over the duration of the construction schedule. Asphalt trucks will be timed to ensure optimal flow and noise management, meaning trucks will not come all at once or in close sequence.

Please email us at community_relations@yvr.ca

Subscribe to the North Runway Newsletter




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