YCD has installed a large digital information screen along the highway near the airport, enhancing how we connect with travellers and the community. The new display provides timely, easy-to-read information before passengers even enter the terminal. From flight updates and airport services to important announcements and seasonal messaging, the screen helps keep travellers informed in real time. Strategically positioned for high visibility, the digital screen was designed to improve communication, highlight airport initiatives, and share key updates efficiently with those passing by.

YCD enhanced its airside maintenance capabilities with the purchase of a new runway sweeper, tractor with brushing arm, and front-end loader.

The runway sweeper was added to improve the removal of debris and foreign objects from the runway surface, supporting safe aircraft operations and helping maintain optimal pavement conditions year-round.

The tractor with brushing arm strengthened our ability to clear snow, debris, and buildup from runway edges, taxiways, and other critical airside areas. This equipment provides greater precision and efficiency in maintaining safe operating surfaces.

The addition of a front-end loader further expanded our operational flexibility, supporting snow removal, material handling, and general maintenance tasks across the airport.

Improvements to our facilities have extended to the parking lot, where enhanced lighting, updated technology, and strengthened monitoring systems have increased security and peace of mind for travelers, visitors, and staff alike. By implementing energy-efficient systems and modern infrastructure, we also reduced our overall carbon footprint by one third, demonstrating our commitment to environmental responsibility and long-term climate goals.

YCD strengthened its operational capabilities with the addition of a new Ford Lightning and a dedicated plow truck to the airport fleet.

The Ford Lightning supports day-to-day airport operations while aligning with our commitment to sustainability and innovation. As an all-electric vehicle, it enhances efficiency and reduces emissions across our airside and groundside activities.

The new plow truck was added to further improve winter maintenance efforts, ensuring runways, taxiways, aprons, and roadways remain safe and accessible during challenging weather conditions. This investment enhances our ability to respond quickly and effectively to snow and ice events, helping maintain reliable service for travellers and air carriers alike.

The renovation of our car rental counters created additional space and a more streamlined layout, resulting in greater efficiency and comfort for travelers as well as our business partners. With expanded areas for customer service and improved traffic flow, passengers can now enjoy a smoother rental experience from arrival to pick-up. These upgrades not only make the process more convenient for users but also strengthen our partnerships with rental companies by providing them with modern, functional spaces to better serve their customers.

We completed fortification of our Simplified Short Approach Lighting System (SSALS) to mitigate infrastructure damage caused by floods and other extreme weather events. We also began planning and designing for the addition of Runway Alignment Indicator Lights (RAILs). Once installed, YCD will have an upgraded lighting system, referred to as Simplified Short Approach Lighting System with Runway Alignment Indicator Lights (SSALR). This system will increase visibility for pilots on final approach, improve safety, and enhance landing reliability.

Our 6,602-foot runway and associated taxiways were resurfaced with new asphalt, providing for better stability and a longer working life. The NAC team and our contractors worked with air carriers and other airport business partners to arrange a resurfacing work schedule where only portions of the runway were shut down at any time which minimized disruptions to flight operations. This project will be fully completed in 2023 when the runway will be grooved. Grooving the runway will help to displace water and reduce hydroplaning to provide increased braking action.

Our $14-million Air Terminal Building expansion officially opened on February 28, 2020. The expansion adds 14,000 square feet of naturally-lit space for passenger convenience and comfort. It includes more passenger seating in our departure lounge and increased security screening capacity. The building expansion project fulfills three critical priorities for the Nanaimo Airport Commission: meeting expected demand for air service through the next decade, economic stimulus through infrastructure construction, and regional economic development

In 2019, we strengthened our commitment to safety and emergency preparedness with the purchase of an industry-leading Oshkosh Striker air rescue and fire fighting truck. This highly advanced vehicle, now the second in our emergency response fleet, is capable of rapidly deploying water, foam, and dry chemicals to address a wide range of potential incidents on the airfield. Its addition ensures our team has the resources necessary to respond quickly and effectively, further safeguarding passengers, staff, and aircraft. That same year, we also reinvested in our runway aprons, upgrading critical infrastructure to support safe and efficient aircraft operations. Together, these improvements reflect YCD’s proactive approach to safety and resilience across all aspects of airport operations.

April 17, 2018 marked a truly ground-breaking day in the history of Nanaimo Airport. On that date, the first shovels were turned in a ceremonial event to celebrate the beginning of construction on a major expansion of our Air Terminal Building. The occasion symbolized not just the start of a building project, but the launch of a transformative chapter in the airport’s growth and service to the region. With community leaders, partners, and staff in attendance, the ceremony underscored the importance of the expansion as an investment in the future of air travel on Vancouver Island, paving the way for a facility that would meet rising passenger demand and create a more modern, welcoming gateway for travelers.

As our passenger numbers have continued to grow, we have expanded our parking facilities to better accommodate travelers’ needs. The additional capacity ensures that passengers can access the airport easily, reduces congestion during peak travel times, and supports the overall efficiency of our operations. These improvements reflect our ongoing commitment to enhancing the passenger experience while keeping pace with the airport’s growth and the evolving demands of air travel.

Our new Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) station opened this year, with the help of a $1-million investment from Transport Canada’s Airports Capital Assistance Program. It’s home to a custom-built emergency vehicle that allows us to provide initial response to any
incident onsite within 3 minutes.

At the end of 2016, we began construction on our new Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) Building, a critical investment in the safety and preparedness of Nanaimo Airport. This purpose-built facility not only houses our emergency response equipment, ensuring quick access when every second counts, but also provides a dedicated space for ongoing training and skill development for our fire and rescue personnel. By centralizing these essential functions, the fire hall strengthens our overall safety infrastructure, enhances operational efficiency, and demonstrates our commitment to protecting passengers, staff, and aircraft at all times.