The north runway is generally used from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and primarily for arrivals*, while the south runway is operational 24 hours a day and is used for both arrivals and departures.

The increase in passenger traffic at YVR means more aircraft using our runway system during peak daytime periods. The demand on our system is so great that it cannot be handled without using the north runway for departures.

Like rush hour traffic on roads, our runways are very busy at specific, peak times. The greatest peaks occur during the summer months, particularly in the middle of the day on weekdays. It is during this time that we expect the north runway will have to be used for departures.

The north runway will not be used between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. for either arrivals or departures, except in the event of emergencies or maintenance on the south runway.

While we are committed to balancing your need for convenient, efficient air travel with little noise or disturbance to the environment, increased passenger volumes and demand for runways means we must make these operational changes to reduce aircraft delays.

However, with ever more people travelling by air, significant delays began to occur not long after the north runway opened, especially during peak times. Just like Lower Mainland roads and bridges get clogged up during rush hours, so do our runways.

*Except in the case of emergencies or maintenance.

Download North Runway Fact Sheet

Top 5 FAQ's

1. How is the north runway currently used?
2. Why is YVR going to use the north runway for departures?
3. Who gave permission for the airport to start using the north runway for departures?
4. What evidence/data do you have to indicate that using the north runway for take-offs is now a necessity?