Major runway works at BNE
Brisbane Airport has been connecting Queensland to the world since the 1980s. Now the original runway needs major works to keep passengers safe. At all times, the airport will remain open. People may notice temporary changes to where aircraft fly during this major work.
“We understand that this will affect some people living in nearby communities and we apologise, but this is essential work to keep us all safe and connected to the world.” - Brisbane Airport CEO, Gert-Jan de Graaff
Fast Facts:
- After four decades, 18 aging concrete slabs at the ends of the Legacy runway need replacing, (an area technically referred to as the runway threshold). This area carries the intense weight of aircraft while they sit, waiting for clearance to takeoff.
- The slabs are routinely maintained but are at the end of their operational life and need replacing so the runway can reliably and safely operate.
- This is a total area of 1000sqm that needs demolition, repouring of fresh concrete, aviation lighting installed, and runway markings reinstated
- Curing time of concrete is approximately 28 days
- Works are required at both ends of the runways, but will need to be completed at one end before switching to the other
- These slabs need to reliably carry up to 560,000 kilograms, that’s the weight of a full A380 sitting there ready for takeoff.
- During the work, Brisbane Airport’s original runway will be temporarily shortened from 3.5 kilometres to 2.7 kilometers, to facilitate the maintenance works while still having use of the runway
- Smaller jets, typically used on domestic flights are not impacted and can continue to use this runway during construction.
- Large wide-bodied jets, used on international flights, will need to be moved across to the New Parallel Runway. Schedules vary each day. Approximately 30 flights per day will be moved to the other runway, and around half a dozen will be in the 10pm-6am period. These are the larger international passenger flights that connect Queensland to the world and also carry exports in the belly of the aircraft
- Brisbane Airport recognises that this will impact communities under the newer runway and we do apologise.
- Brisbane Airport is undertaking a large public community awareness campaign beginning more than two months before construction that includes print, television, BVOD, online, social, billboards.
- The project has been scheduled for the winter months when there is historically less rain to minimise weather delays to the project and get it done as quickly as possible
- Works will begin on June 24 and continue for 12 weeks and will be completed in September, weather permitting.
- This is part of the $5 billion Future BNE program of 150+ projects transforming the airport for the decade to come and beyond. It includes upgrades to the Domestic Terminal, International Terminal and planning for a new Terminal 3
Comments from Aaron Pond, Brisbane Airport Airfield Works Manager
“We are reducing the runway length temporarily. It’s currently 3.5km, we’re reducing it by just under a kilometre so we can safely facilitate the maintenance works while still having use of the runway.
“It’s a unique experience having aircraft arrive and depart over the top of the worksite. There’s a lot of communication that goes out to airlines to ensure that not only passengers are safe, but the works party as well.
Comments from Peter Doherty, Brisbane Airport Media & Corporate Affairs Manager
"Halting international travel isn't an option for Queenslanders, our tourism industry, or exporters. We all remember the impact of closing Queensland during the pandemic. This connectivity is essential for our State.
“It’s taken two years to re-build the list of international destinations on offer to Queenslanders, now back to 30 direct locations from 26 international airlines."
Background:
- Brisbane Airport’s original runway was laid down in the mid-1980s by the Commonwealth Government.
- The main part of the runway was resurfaced in 2016, and will require resurfacing in the future.
Note for Editors:
Brisbane Airport is launching a comprehensive community awareness and education campaign, starting more than two months prior to construction, including print, television, BVOD, online, social media, and billboard advertising.
Readers can be referred to this website for additional information: bne.com.au/runway
Note for Television Producers: Broadcast vision and interviews showing a site visit to the runway is available.