At YVR, we’re always looking for ways to make the journey through the airport smoother, faster, and more intuitive. That’s why we’re partnering with the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) to modernize our screening checkpoints with new CATSA Plus Computed Tomography (CT) X-ray equipment.  

This equipment upgrade, now complete at two of our Domestic security checkpoints, allows travellers to move through screening without removing liquids, aerosols, gels, or large electronics from their carry-on bags.  

The new CT technology enhances both safety and efficiency, helping more passengers move seamlessly through screening while continuing to enjoy YVR’s signature mix of local art and West Coast storytelling. 

As the first airport in Canada to adopt the new CATSA Plus equipment in September 2024, YVR is helping set a new standard for airport security. 

Continuing this momentum, YVR will extend this technology to every checkpoint across the terminal in 2026, including International and U.S. departure checkpoints. 

This upgrade reflects YVR’s ongoing commitment to innovation and growth, ensuring that every journey through our airport is not only secure but also welcoming, effortless, and uniquely reflective of our community. 

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.