Upgrade operations will commence on Dubai Airport’s runway soon

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An 80-day long upgrade project, focused on enhancing current capacities and future expansions, has been planned for the Dubai International Airport, the airport authority has announced.

The construction works at Dubai International Airport will result in increased flight activity at the new Al Maktoum International Airport, Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, explained.

“We have planned this project to optimise capacity while protecting service levels,” said Griffiths. “In conjunction with constructors Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects, airlines and other stakeholders, we have deployed all the resources necessary to make it as smooth and seamless as possible.

“While we regret any inconvenience caused to our airline customers and our passengers, these upgrades are necessary to heighten safety, boost capacity and pave the way for future expansion.”

Almost 800,000 tonnes of aggregates, 11,000 airfield lighting luminaries, 1,050km of cabling, 1,750 new manholes and 8.3km of drainage piping are expected to be employed for the runway rehabilitation and taxiway construction operations.

The upgrade work will be split into two phases, with the first leg of the project, held between May 1 and July 31 2014, involving the upgrade of runway lighting and construction of additional taxiways and rapid exits on the southern runway.

Phase two will start on May 31, under which the 4,000m long northern runway, approaching the end of its design life, will be resurfaced. The second phase is expected to end on July 20, 2014.

The number of flights at the main airport will be reduced by 26%, while Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central is expected to witness heightened flight activity.

Eight airlines currently functioning from Dubai International have reserved slots to operate at Al Maktoum airport during the construction period, and more than 300 flights a week are expected to depart in the 80-day duration from the new airport.