Aircraft Noise Concerns in Northwest Calgary: What We’ve Heard and What We’ve Learned

Over the past several months, my office has heard from residents in Ward 2, including Nolan Hill and surrounding communities, about increased aircraft noise and changes in flight patterns. Some of you have taken the time to submit complaints through the Calgary International Airport noise reporting system and to contact my office directly when you felt your concerns were not being addressed.

In response to these concerns, my office reached out to City Administration and Calgary International Airport to better understand what may be contributing to the increase in perceived noise and what options exist for monitoring and mitigation. The Calgary Airport has provided us with further information, which we are sharing here to help clarify what has been happening and who is responsible for different aspects of airport operations.

Why have Residents Noticed more Aircraft Noise?

According to Calgary Airport, aircraft noise concerns in northwest Calgary over the past two years were closely tied to the West Runway Rehabilitation project, which concluded in December 2025.

During the construction period, there was increased use of the East Runway and the Crosswind Runway, resulting in more aircraft travelling over west Calgary and parts of Airdrie. With the West Runway now fully operational, YYC Airport advises that noise levels are expected to return to pre‑2023 conditions as runway use normalizes.

While the project is complete, some residents may still notice changes depending on weather conditions, runway configuration, and daily air traffic volumes.

Why do Flight Paths Change at Different Times of the Year?

Calgary’s frequent Chinook weather systems play a significant role in aircraft operations.

When strong westerly or south‑westerly winds occur, aircraft must take off and land into the wind to ensure safe performance. During these periods, operations may shift to the Crosswind Runway, which runs east–west. This configuration places more departing aircraft over northwest Calgary and can increase noise, particularly during takeoff.

Once wind conditions ease, often in the early morning or later in the evening, operations return to the preferred north–south runway configuration, which helps distribute noise more evenly across the city.

YYC Airport also notes that the crosswind runway is the least efficient operational configuration, which is why it is only used when weather conditions require it.

How is Aircraft Noise Monitored?

YYC Airport operates a network of 16 Noise Monitoring Terminals (NMTs) across Calgary and neighbouring communities. These stations capture both aircraft and ambient community noise. The airport periodically relocates monitoring terminals to ensure they reflect current conditions.

Residents are encouraged to continue submitting noise concerns, as these reports provide data that helps identify patterns and areas requiring further review.

How Residents can Raise Noise Concerns

The Calgary Airport recommends that residents continue to report concerns through official channels:

• Online noise concern portal: https://www.planenoise.com/cyyc/
• Noise concern voicemail line: 403‑735‑1408
• You can also check the nearly real-time flight tracking system, PublicVue

To ensure residents have access to the full context, we are sharing the complete Calgary Airport briefing note here. I encourage anyone experiencing ongoing issues to review the information and continue submitting detailed reports through the airport’s noise reporting system.

Thank you to everyone who has reached out and taken the time to make their voices heard.

-Jennifer