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

The North Runway Program included:

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

 
This unique program saw YVR upgrade the runway during the nightly closure period, while it remained fully operational during the day.  

Paving and major improvements work under the North Runway Program are complete.  

Watch our video series to learn more about how we delivered the upgrades to our North Runway and why these upgrades are important for our community and the economy that supports it below.  

Visit www.yvr.ca/northrunway for more information about the program.  

YVR plans and schedules these projects to minimize effects of the work and appreciate everyone’s patience as we complete these projects safely and as quickly as possible.  

LATEST UPDATE: 

Routine and preventative maintenance activities on the South Runway will continue through the winter and spring. Work will be done on Saturday nights throughout the year, as well as additional dates as required. As our plans are further developed, we will post information on runway closures here: South Runway Maintenance Schedule | YVR. 

During these work periods, the South Runway will be closed, and the North Runway will be used for all take-offs and landings to allow safe access to work areas. 

As a result of the nighttime closures of the South Runway, some communities under the flight path of the North Runway and neighborhoods to the north of the airport may notice increased aircraft activity over their community. We are carefully coordinating work to minimize the overall duration and effects of these temporary runway closures.  

We want to assure our community members that we endeavour to work safety and as quickly as we can so that we can return to normal runway operations.  

If you have any questions about the south airfield maintenance and construction projects, please contact community_relations@yvr.ca.