The Calgary Airport Authority has said that significant water damage to part of its terminal during the supercell thunderstorm forced the B gates in the Domestic Terminal Building to be closed late Monday night.
It is unknown when the B gates will reopen, and the total cost of the storm damage is unknown. Officials said they are also unsure of the time required to complete repairs, and the water damage to the terminal area continues to be assessed.
"In response to the closure of all B gates and impacts to C gates, YYC is working with its airline partners to re-accommodate flights to gates that were not affected."
Initially, as a safety precaution, all guests and employees were safely cleared from that area and directed to safe locations on Monday. Officials stressed that the airport remains open and operational despite the partial closure.
#YYC airport currently flooding - looks like the roof is leaking 😳 #abstorm #calgary pic.twitter.com/yypmFJcpUC
— Small Town Alberta (@smalltownbrta) August 6, 2024
"YYC can support our airline partners’ full commercial schedule as it recovers. Guests are encouraged to check with their airline for flight updates," officials said. "We recognize this storm and the resulting damage and experience could have been troubling and scary. This weather event has had a major impact on operations, but it's also impacted people. Please know we are taking every action possible to ensure their safety and comfort. We thank our guests for their patience and cooperation as we work to recover from the storm."
Some C gates were impacted, though most remain operational. The storm did not affect the D (international/domestic) and E (transborder) gates, which remain fully operational.
"Our White Hat Volunteers and guest experience teams are on the floor answering questions, providing directions, and handing out water and snacks to guests whose travel itineraries have been disrupted by the weather event."
The Rental Car Centre is closed; however, all companies remain open and can assist guests.
"Guests will need to access the booths/kiosks set up by the rental car companies on Level 3 of the P1 Parkade. Please note that the elevator inside the Rental Car Centre from the Arrivals level is also closed—guests can use the elevators in the Parkade across from Door 9."
A supercell thunderstorm that initially prompted an Alberta Emergency Alert on Monday night as it was forecast to hit Airdrie ended up pummeling parts of Calgary, especially the city's northern neighbourhoods. Many Calgarians took to social media to post devastating damage to homes, vehicles, and gardens.
Information provided by DiscoverAirdrie