Just like roads and highways, our runway system requires regular, ongoing maintenance to keep them in top working condition. Though regular maintenance is carried out daily at YVR, we undertake repairs and projects each year that require a shutdown of the south runway, which is normally used on a 24-hour basis.

As with similar projects in the past, such as the Taxiway Lima project in 1999, the work is done over short, intensive periods. Although summer is our busiest time for travellers, it is also during these months that our weather is best suited for paving and electrical projects.

The summer runway repair schedule below will help our neighbours know when to expect changes to our normal runway operations.

Exact dates of runway closures will be posted as more details are confirmed. Please check this site often for the latest updates.

(click on + to view information)

+ Five-Year Maintenance Schedule

• Generally occurs during the last two weeks of July each year (before the August long weekend), commencing on a Friday night and ending on a Friday morning
• Nightly closures occur between 2100 and 0600, but contractors are to plan work based on an 0500 finish
• The North Runway will remain open 24hrs during this period

This tentative schedule provides a forecast of south runway closures at YVR for maintenance and repair work.

• 2008: 2-week closure (July 18 to August 1)
• 2009: 4-week closure (July 17 to July 31)
• 2010: 2-week closure (July 16 to July 30)
• 2011: 2-week closure (July 15 to July 29)
• 2012: 2-week closure (July 20 to August 3)
• 2013: 2-week closure (July 19 to August 2)

The closures are required to complete routine maintenance and repair work, such as rubber removal, line painting, erosion repairs, re-lamping and minor electrical work.

During the work, the south runway will be closed nightly to allow crews to carry out the work. While the south runway is closed, the north runway will be used for all take-offs and landings. Once work is completed, normal operations will resume.

The anticipated 4-week closure in 2008 would include work to widen the shoulders of the south runway to meet requirements from the International Civil Aviations Organization and Transport Canada.

This schedule is reviewed annually and updated as needed. The exact dates of the closures will be posted on this site once the schedule has been finalized.