Cleanup at Calgary airport continues after hail storm; flights operational

Calgary airport damaged after thunderstorm The Calgary International Airport was hit with a severe thunderstorm as heavy rain damaged its building and flooded areas.

The Calgary International Airport is cleaning up after hail and heavy rainfall caused significant water damage in the terminal building Monday night.

In an update Tuesday, the airport said the damaged areas of the building – B and C gates – remain closed, but flights were still leaving from other gates.

The airport said the water damage at the B gates continues to be assessed.

“While it is not yet known when the B gates will reopen, YYC can support our airline partners’ full commercial schedule as it recovers. Guests are encouraged to check with their airline for flight updates,” the Calgary Airport Authority said in a news release Tuesday.

Some C gates were affected, but most remain operational.

“In response to the closure of all B gates and impacts to C gates, YYC is working with its airline partners to reaccommodate flights to gates that were not affected,” the airport authority said.

The rental car centre at the airport is closed, but all companies are open and available to assist travellers. Booths and kiosks have been set up by the companies on level three of the P1 parkade.

The total cost of the damage and the amount of time it will take to complete repairs is not yet known, but restoration crews are working “around the clock,” according to the airport authority.

The airport encouraged travellers to check with airlines for flight updates.

Around 9:30 p.m. on Monday, YYC confirmed the building was damaged and guests were being evacuated due to the water damage.

Parts of southern Alberta were put under a thunderstorm warning Monday afternoon and evening as a storm developed and produced “significant and damaging hail, strong winds and heavy rain,” according to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC).

ECCC received many reports of hail damage and localized flooding in the Calgary area. Hen egg-sized hail was also reported in Calgary.