The runways at Dubai International Airport will be subject to closures over a period of almost three months next year, with flights being disrupted to allow essential engineering works, the airport's management confirmed today.
The extensive runway enhancement project will take place over 80 days commencing May 1, 2014 and will see scheduled passenger flights reduced and all freighter, charter and general aviation flights diverted to Dubai World Central (DWC).
"The northern runway is nearing the end of its design life and requires resurfacing and other modifications to accommodate future traffic. At the same time there is a requirement to upgrade runway lighting and construct new taxiways on the southern runway to boost capacity," said Dubai Airports in statement.
"Runway closures are complex and must be meticulously planned. Dubai Airports already closes each runway at Dubai International for five hours per week to conduct regular maintenance but the size and scope of the programme will require each runway to be closed for extended periods of time."
The southern runway will be closed from May 1 to May 31, 2014 while the northern runway will be out of operation May 31 to July 20, 2014 as the upgrades are implemented.
The runway rehabilitation project will involve the placement of 180,000 tonnes of asphalt on the northern runway, 65,000 tonnes of asphalt and 70,000 cubic metres of concrete on the southern runway and taxiways as well as the installation of 3,000 runway lights.
"Safety and service are our two top priorities," said Paul Griffiths, chief executive of Dubai Airports. "While we regret any inconvenience caused to our airline customers and our passengers, these upgrades are necessary to heighten safety, boost capacity and quite literally pave the way for future expansion."
