Flight cancellations, delays at YVR airport after runway closure

More than 20 flights at YVR were cancelled and others faced delays after crews were forced to keep one of the airport's runways closed Friday.

More than 20 flights at Vancouver International Airport have been cancelled and others are facing delays after crews were forced to keep one of the runways closed Friday.

Overnight paving work on the airport’s north runway wasn’t completed in time due to “an unforeseen equipment issue” with an asphalt supplier, a YVR spokesperson said Friday afternoon.

“While our teams work to find a solution, YVR will be operating exclusively using our south runway today,” the spokesperson said.

As of 2 p.m., 23 flights had been cancelled.

The spokesperson said airport staff will be in the terminal to assist passengers. Those flying in or out of the airport on Friday are advised to check flight information with their airline or via the YVR website before coming to the airport.

In a statement Friday afternoon, Nav Canada, the agency responsible for controlling civilian air traffic throughout the country, confirmed a temporary Traffic Management Initiative had been put in place due to runway work conducted by the airport authority.

“While we strive to minimize their use, TMIs help maintain a safe flow of traffic and ensure the quantity of aircraft in a given airspace or airport remains manageable,” said the statement.

“Our team is working actively to keep air traffic moving safely and as efficiently as possible and minimize the impact of the TMI.”