Weather alerts: a question of safety
Quebec, on June 29, 2026
Weather conditions can impact our operations on the ground, notably by delaying departures and affecting the jobs of those who get the airplanes ready. Airport operations must adapt to weather alerts to protect passengers and on-site personnel. There are freight handlers, refuelling operators, security guards, maintenance and construction staff, and more who work to ensure everything’s running smoothly at the airport—and they’re all exposed to the elements.
When lightning strikes
YQB is equipped with a lightning detection system that can locate storm cells nearby and alert people outside.
This system picks up on electrical activity in the air using satellite imagery. We receive an alert if storm cells are detected within a 48 km, 24 km or 8 km radius of the airport.
A weather alert is issued when lightning is spotted within 8 km of YQB. Strobe lights on the terminal roof turn on and a horn sounds to alert employees.
Prevention mode
When a weather alert is issued, businesses working on the airport site initiate procedures to protect their employees. This usually means halting outdoor operations for the duration of the alert—the guiding of aircraft to their gate, plane landings and baggage handling are therefore suspended. A weather alert ends 15 minutes after the lightning subsides.
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