Calgary International Airport (YYC), Alberta

Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Owner/Operator: Calgary Airport Authority

Calgary International Airport, known as YYC Calgary International Airport, is a key transportation hub in Western Canada. As the busiest airport in Alberta and the fourth busiest in Canada, it accommodated 18.9 million passengers in 2024 and recorded over 202,000 aircraft movements in 2023. Given the scale of operations and its location within proximity to residential communities, effective noise management is critical.

Starting with the YYC’s West Runway Rehabilitation Project HGC has partnered with the Calgary Airport Authority, to deliver comprehensive acoustical consulting services aimed at supporting the Airport’s environmental compliance efforts, community engagement, and operational excellence.

YYC West Runway Rehabilitation Project

This major infrastructure initiative involves a complete overhaul and replacement of the Airport’s west runway, including full-depth structural and electrical rehabilitation. The project, which began in 2024, is designed to ensure the runway can safely operate for the next 40 years and meet increasing traffic demands.

Key HGC activities have included Noise Monitoring Network Review & Optimization, Support for the Airport Community Consultative Committee (ACCC), and Acoustic Assessments. particularly in light of the increased operational complexity brought about by the West Runway Rehabilitation project.

Airport Noise Monitoring Network Review & Optimization

To ensure robust tracking and management of aircraft noise impacts, YYC operates a network of 18 permanent Noise Monitoring Terminals (NMTs) which HGC has helped manage by:

• Reviewing the performance of all NMTs to assess and ensure their data accuracy and reliability.
• Evaluating the siting methodology to enhance the effectiveness of the noise monitoring network, especially in light of temporary shifts in flight operations.
• Identifying two new NMT locations, strategically selected to capture changes in noise patterns resulting from the West Runway (17R-35L) Rehabilitation. These locations were particularly important for monitoring increased aircraft activity over communities not typically exposed to high-volume overflights.

Support for the Airport Community Consultative Committee (ACCC)

YYC places a strong emphasis on community transparency and stakeholder engagement through its Airport Community Consultative Committee (ACCC). HGC has supported this initiative by:

• Assessing collected noise data to ensure it meets high standards of clarity, consistency, and relevance for public presentation.
• Conducting QA/QC checks on ACCC presentation materials to ensure accurate and clear communication of acoustical findings.
• Providing recommendations to refine event detection parameters, improving the system’s ability to isolate aircraft-related noise events from other community noise sources.