Rain, drizzle &
In 2016, our new runway system will allow 700 more
flights to operate on schedule, regardless of fog.
LONG-TERM BENEFITS
OPERATIONAL IMPACTS
2015 marks the final year of the three-year, $37.3
million Airfield Accessibility & Safety Initiative. This
investment includes significant improvements to the
airfield infrastructure required to support the
installation and operation of a Category III Instrument
Landing System by NAV Canada. Once installed, this
technology will yield substantial long-term benefits to
our community. Airfield Accessibility will increase to
99%, putting YYT on par with the major airports in
Canada.
To complete this project, our primary runway will be
closed for construction from June to October 2015.
While our secondary runway is available and is sufficient
for all commercial aircraft operations, there may be
times when weather conditions do not favour this
runway. As a result, passengers’ travel plans may be
impacted.
When this project is complete, the primary runway
will not require any substantial construction or
upgrades for at least 15 years, and we will be the only
airport in Canada with an annual passenger volume of
less than 10 million to have a Category III Instrument
Landing System.
Passengers are advised to build extra time into their
travel plans. More information about the Airfield
Accessibility and Safety Initiative can be found at
stjohnsairport.com.
We appreciate your patience as we make significant
improvements to our province’s premier gateway for
the benefit of our entire community.
The St. John’s International Airport’s Airfield Accessibility and Safety Initiative is cost-shared between the Airport Authority, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Government of Canada through Canada’s Gateways and Border Crossings Fund, in support
of the Atlantic Gateway and Trade Corridor Strategy.
BUILDING A BETTER GATEWAY
Why is the primary runway closed?
The primary runway is closed in order to complete the necessary infrastructure improvements to install and
support the operations of a Category III Instrument Landing System. Once this system is operational, the Airport’s
availability will increase substantially to 99%, meaning aircraft will be able to operate under very low visibility
conditions. That means 700 more flights and 70,000 passengers each year will no longer be disrupted due to foggy
conditions. Even if this new runway system was not being installed, the runway would be required to be closed in
2017 for scheduled repaving of the entire 8,500 foot length.
How long will the primary runway be closed?
The runway closed on June 1, 2015 and will reopen with a reduced runway length in October (6,000 feet). All the
construction work will be completed in December, at which time the runway will be opened to full length (8,500
feet). When complete, the newly paved runway will not need to be closed for another 15-18 years for any extensive work.
How will the closure impact flight operations?
There is a secondary runway available that can accommodate all commercial aircraft that operate at the Airport.
Since aircraft land and takeoff into the wind, there may be times when this runway is not available due to strong
crosswinds. Also, this runway has less capability during low visibility conditions than the primary runway, and
therefore flight operations may be impacted during foggy weather.
What mitigation measures have been put in place by the St. John’s International Airport Authority?
Many mitigations measures were taken to ensure minimal disruptions during the construction process. There has
been extensive consultation with airline partners and community stakeholders, as well as detailed planning,
consultation with industry experts , and extensive weather analysis done to identify the best time for construction.
The secondary runway was also temporary extended by 300 feet to accommodate the arrival of all regularly
scheduled aircraft.
The Airport Authority is committed to creating an exceptional airport experience, and takes pride in operating as
Newfoundland and Labrador’s premier gateway on behalf of the vibrant community. It is building a bigger and
better gateway for the province, one that supports the continued economic and social
development of the region.
Further information can be found at stjohnsairport.com/expansion-yyt/.