The Victoria Airport Authority (VAA) has laid out a roadmap for the future of Victoria International Airport (YYJ) between 2023 and 2042.

 

 

Vancouver Island’s primary air hub is forecasted to welcome 3.1 million enplaned and deplaned passengers by 2042 under a baseline growth rate, representing a projection of roughly 50% more passengers than the two million traveller peak reached in 2018 (passenger volumes were 1.5 million in 2022, however as the post-pandemic recovery continued). Under a high growth estimate, the authority estimates as many as 4.1 million passengers could be processed at the terminal annually in 20 years.

 

In order to accommodate that growth and plan for beyond the early 2040s, the VAA has identified significant investments for its Electra Boulevard terminal and airport lands that will include an expansion eastwards by 2027 at the departures check-in area along with an additional jetway, and a larger passenger lounge above check-in facilities on the second level. A westward terminal expansion between 2028 and 2032 for the ground floor baggage pick-up area and the departures lounge above will expand the primary east-west concourse. Further west, a new concourse is envisioned with gates oriented north-to-south with construction occurring some time between 2033 and 2042.

 

Based on schematics, the added terminal capacity will enable YYJ to handle 15 single-aisle jets like Boeing 737s and Airbus A320s at gates, and up to four twin-aisle or larger single-aisle jets (in addition to seven smaller jets) like Boeing 767s, 787s and Airbus A330s or A350s. Both scenarios above provide sufficient room for an extra six regional aircraft like Bombardier turboprops that typically service routes such as Victoria to Vancouver International Airport.

 

A schematic of an expanded passenger terminal footprint with a new north-south-oriented concourse, a western addition to the terminal, and an extended Electra Boulevard running west to Willingdon Road. Expanded parking facilities are also displayed between the existing parking lots and Willingdon Road. The above work is expected to complete by 2042.  Victoria Airport Authority

A schematic identifies work planned for completion through 2032.  Victoria Airport Authority

 

Additionally, the VAA intends to proceed with a long-awaited expansion of the primary 09-27 runway, currently spanning just 6,998 feet in length (2,133 metres), to approximately 7,586 feet (2,313 metres) not including the addition of newly mandated end-of-runway safety areas at both ends of runway 09/27. The runway work is identified as a project for 2023-2027, and would create the opportunity for direct flights by larger aircraft to European hubs like London, Amsterdam and Frankfurt. It should be noted, though, that the VAA report has two periods identified for this work, one between 2023 and 2032, the other between 2033 and 2037.

 

The main terminal’s parking area is expected to require 4,148 stalls by 2042. A series of short and long-term parking expansions to the west of the existing parking lots will accommodate that demand, and introduce a new traffic roundabout on Willingdon Road and Electra Boulevard (to be extended west to connect with Willingdon Road). A new peak demand reserved parking area is presently envisioned for land above (to the north) of an extended Electra Boulevard, east of Willingdon Road.

 

The VAA will also expand aircraft parking areas (known as aprons) to support growth in aircraft movements and airline activity requiring parking, such as overnight stops. Much of this work will coincide with terminal investments.

 

Total costing for improvement projects through 2042 is currently budgeted in 2022 dollars at approximately $580.5 million, split into four time frames. At just under $146 million between 2023 and 2027 is $108.5 million earmarked for the terminal, $23.3 for “landside” works, and $14 million for the airfield.

 

For 2028 through 2032, a further $125 million is budgeted for additional terminal expansion, and nearly $13 million for landside investments.

 

Between 2033 and 2037 over $142 million in spending will accommodate nearly $58 million in airfield work, another $28.25 million for terminal improvements, and over $56 million in airside investment.

 

Finally, through 2038 and 2042 the VAA projects another $125 million in terminal investments, over $27 million in airfield projects and $2 million in landside spending.

 

Airport land redevelopment opportunities – which include recent projects like an Amazon warehouse built by York Development at the northeast quadrant of the airport, and a planned hotel on the former site of the approved-but-cancelled Sidney Crossing retail project (between Beacon Avenue West and Stirling Way) – will continue. The VAA has identified multiple parcels suitable for development opportunities, most situated along its northern perimeter.

 

Formerly British Columbia’s second-busiest airport after Vancouver International, YYJ has slipped to third place behind Kelowna International (YLW). YLW first surpassed YYJ in 2018 and has maintained its lead since.

 

Recent passenger terminal investments by the VAA include a nearly $20 million, 35,000 square foot terminal expansion launched in 2018 and completed in 2021. Nav Canada, meanwhile, plans to start construction on a six-storey control tower replacement this spring and is targeting a 2026 completion. C

 

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