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DXB’s Northern runway rehabilitation on track for completion

More than 1,000 vehicles and 3,000 people have been working around the clock at DXB – from May 9 – to ensure the runway reopens by June 22

by Neesha Salian

June 10, 2022

Dubai Airports has announced that the Northern runway rehabilitation programme at Dubai International (DXB) has crossed its midway point on schedule. At this pace, the Northern runway is on track to reopen on June 22.

Since May 9, more than 1,000 vehicles and 3,000 people have been working around the clock at DXB to complete the project.

The essential work involves resurfacing the entire 4.5km long Northern runway, strengthening the wider runway strip, as well as reinforcing the paving on key taxiway entries and exits, and repairing drainage infrastructure.

Aeronautical ground lighting, navigational aids and meteorological equipment are also being replaced, while a navigation aids substation is also being relocated. The Southern runway has continued to handle operations at DXB, as the work progresses towards completion.

The main goal of the programme was the rehabilitation of the runway and its supporting systems, to maintain the safety, operational efficiency and capacity at DXB.

Dubai Airports is now at the midway point of the Northern Runway Rehabilitation programme at the world’s busiest international airport, @dxb. Watch this video to learn more from our project leaders about this programme: https://t.co/IjZogFXaiy

— Dubai Airports (@DubaiAirports) June 10, 2022

Dubai International’s Northern runway was last fully resurfaced back in 2014 and a major upgrade was scheduled for 2024, however, with lower aircraft movements due to the ongoing recovery from the pandemic, the quieter time provided an ideal opportunity to carry out the rehabilitation works with minimum impact on DXB’s operations and growth.

The comprehensive upgrade to the Northern runway will boost safety, service and capacity levels for the tens of millions of passengers that use the airport every year.

To ensure a smooth passenger experience while the essential work is being performed, Dubai World Central (DWC) has been handling more than 1,000 flights from several international carriers including flydubai, SpiceJet, Indigo, Gulf Air, Air India Express and Qatar Airways during the 45-day transition period.

Read: Dubai Airports announces capacity shift to DWC during runway closure

Throughout the temporary closure period, Dubai Airports is advising all passengers to carefully check their flight information before setting out for their departure airport and try to plan some extra time to get to, and through, the airport to avoid delays or other issues.