North Runway Modernization
YVR’s North Runway has returned to full service. Paving and major improvements work that took place from April 2025 through October 2025 is now complete, on time. Thank you to our airport community and contract partners for their support through this program.
About the Program
Starting in April 2025, Vancouver International Airport (YVR) began major works to pave our North Runway as well as conduct drainage and electrical upgrades. Built in the 1990s, the North Runway required these upgrades to ensure the longevity and resilience of this critical piece of airport infrastructure.
Paving and infrastructure improvements will better serve YVR’s aviation partners and airlines for years to come. Work under the North Runway Program included:
- A complete asphalt overlay of the runway and connecting taxiways
- Drainage improvements
- Electrical improvements and new LED lighting along the runway edge
We partnered with Kiewit and Tristar Electric to deliver our North Runway Program.
More information about the program, including a multi-episode video series detailing the work and the people delivering it, is available at www.yvr.ca/northrunway.
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 ensure the runway's longevity and resilience.
Reliability
Work to deliver paving and infrastructure improvements took place during the runway's existing standard nightly closure period of 10:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m.
Serving our community and the economy that supports it
The overall program generated more than 130,000 person hours of work during construction, resulting in new jobs and economic value for the region.
Timeline
Program by the Numbers
