Dublin Airport has confirmed that its South Runway (10R/28L) will be withdrawn from service for a 72-hour period next week to allow for essential repairs to be carried out on the main taxiway (Taxiway Sierra) serving the runway.
The urgent repairs on the taxiway, which handles upwards of 150,000 aircraft every year, are required due to surface breakup caused by the recent exceptionally heavy rainfall at Dublin Airport.
Under European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulations, Dublin Airport must maintain runway and taxiway surfaces to prevent irregularities and avoid Foreign Object Debris (FOD) that could pose a safety risk to aircraft and passengers.
The South Runway will close from 09:00 on Monday, March 9 until 09:00 on Thursday, March 12. During this period, all aircraft operations will take place on the airport’s North Runway (10L/28R).
According to Gary McLean, Managing Director of Dublin Airport: “Safety is a non-negotiable for us at Dublin Airport and the maintenance and upkeep of our runways, aprons and wider airfield is central to that. These works are both essential and urgent as we get ready to enter our busiest months of the year.
“We are very conscious that runway operations during this period will result in an increase in noise levels for some local residents and we apologise for any inconvenience caused. We will work to complete the repairs safely and as efficiently as possible to minimise disruption.”
A team of over 100 personnel will carry out the works, which will include: Removing 50 millimetres of the existing surface material and laying new asphalt; Removing and reinstating approximately 40 airfield ground lights, including associated cabling and electrical works; and the reinstatement of all pavement markings.
Dublin Airport will also avail of the extended closure to carry out a number of additional essential maintenance activities, including grassland management and painting of critical safety markings.
The successful delivery of these works is subject to weather conditions. If conditions are unsuitable, the works will be rescheduled at the earliest possible opportunity.
