Letter from the President and CEO
— This past year was truly transformative for The Calgary Airport Authority. Together, we redefined our aspirations, focused our purpose and maintained an unwavering commitment to delivering excellence for our guests, partners and the communities we serve.
In 2024, we created a new corporate strategy, boldly charting our path forward to 2030. During this process we sought input from the experts who know our operations and business best: our passionate and dedicated employees and partners throughout the airport ecosystem. They were instrumental in shaping the strategy that will guide us over the coming years.
Our focus is clear: create an environment where everyone thrives and deliver a world-class experience for all. That applies to the millions of guests who pass through YYC Calgary International Airport every year and to the thousands of employees and partners powering our region’s critical hubs, YYC and YBW Springbank.
In 2024, our commitment to connectivity soared as we welcomed an all-time high 18.9 million travellers and launched five new non-stop routes, bringing our total to a record 93. New opportunities to explore cities like Seoul, Reykjavik, and Charlotte make Calgary one of North America’s best connected cities. These milestones reflect the strength of our partnerships with airline operators, who continue to see YYC as a cornerstone of their networks.
In April, we broke ground on the $201-million rehabilitation of our West Runway. The two-year project is a considerable undertaking, and we’re proud to note that to date, it is on time and under budget. This investment enhances operational efficiency and prepares YYC to meet the demands of a thriving Alberta for decades to come.
Our senior leadership team was also strengthened this past year with the addition of Rob Bachart as Chief Real Estate Officer, Balázs Bogáts as Chief Commercial Officer and Jen Pon as Chief Financial Officer. Together with the entire YYC Crew, their vision and expertise ensure we are well-positioned to continue driving innovation, resilience and growth.
While 2024 was a year of progress and turbulence, the biggest challenge arrived in August. A devastating hailstorm caused significant damage across the north of Calgary and the airport campus, forcing us to close Concourse B as we undertake a significant rebuilding exercise that is expected to last well into 2026.
I’m proud of how quickly our teams acted to ensure the safety of our guests and employees and how they worked with our airline partners in the days and months that followed to accommodate flight schedules, minimizing the impact of the storm. Now, we look forward to reopening an improved concourse in 2026.
Along with work to repair Concourse B, construction on the new centralized passenger screening point is well underway. Together with ongoing enhancements to our commercial and retail program, these key projects will create an unparalleled experience for guests and partners alike.
As we look to 2025 and beyond, we’re inspired by the opportunities ahead. This June, YYC will welcome leaders from around the world to Alberta for the G7 Summit, an opportunity to demonstrate our airport community’s commitment to running a world-class airport through operational excellence and showcasing the best of our region. Calgary’s diversifying and growing economy strengthens our resolve to connect Albertans to the world and to bring the world to Alberta. Together, we’re building resilient airports, ready to meet the challenges of today and embrace the possibilities of tomorrow. It’s an honour to lead a team dedicated to serving our region by fostering a thriving aviation community, and I am excited to continue this journey with you as we move toward a brighter future.
Thank you,
Chris Dinsdale
