Newcastle airport completes runway resurfacing

[March 2nd 2009]

Newcastle airport now has a freshly laid runway after resurfacing work was completed five weeks ahead of schedule.

Work on the runway started at the beginning of January, 15 years after it was last resurfaced. In order not to disrupt flights from Newcastle, work was carried out by contractors Tarmac between 11:30pm and 5:45am.

Newcastle International Airport chief executive Dave Laws says the runway resurfacing was necessary to meet the demands of the increased number of aircraft using the airport.

“Over the past 15 years we've experienced huge growth, with a dramatic increase in aircraft movements. We have welcomed the arrival of low cost airlines such as easyJet, and more recently the Emirates' A330 Airbus. With over five million passengers a year and around 200 arrivals and departures every day, the runway is the most important part of our airport and is vital for safe and efficient travel,” Laws comments.

Described as one of the most technically demanding resurfacing jobs of its kind, the work at Newcastle airport involved removing the existing runway surface and laying approximately 16,500 tonnes of new asphalt in 125m-long sections every night. Just under 1,000 runway lights were also removed and replaced.

"The amount of work and dedication towards this project over the past year has been outstanding. The commitment of our team at the airport has allowed us to keep the runway open during this huge challenge. With the support and advice from Tarmac, this very successful project has helped ensure the future prosperity of our airport for many years to come," says Laws.

Airline Emirates is currently offering special fares on its flights from Newcastle to both Dubai and Bangkok. The daily flights to Dubai are available from just £331 return. Flights to onward destinations such as Beijing start from £379.

Flights from Newcastle to Bangkok are priced from £486 return. Other special fares include Sydney from £657, Hong Kong from £457 and Cape Town from £440. But hurry, flights must be booked by today.

Written by: Nick Purdom