Tuesday, October 1, 2024 Abu Dhabi Airports has officially reopened the Northern Runway (13L/31R) at Zayed International Airport (AUH) ahead of schedule, marking the completion of a major rehabilitation project. The early reopening, reported by the state news agency WAM, comes as a result of meticulous planning and collaboration among various stakeholders. The upgraded runway is now fully operational for both arrivals and departures, strengthening the airport’s ability to handle increasing air traffic demand.
Key Infrastructure Upgrades The rehabilitation of the Northern Runway involved extensive enhancements to both its structure and technology. The project saw the reinforcement and resurfacing of the runway using 210,000 tonnes of asphalt, which significantly boosts its durability and resilience. This will allow the runway to accommodate higher levels of traffic with minimal maintenance.
Among the standout technological advancements is the installation of a state-of-the-art Instrument Landing System (ILS), which enhances operational precision, particularly in poor weather conditions. The runway is now equipped with a redundant ground visibility monitoring system, further improving safety for all aircraft operations. In addition, over 1,200 halogen airfield lights were replaced with energy-efficient LED lighting, reflecting Abu Dhabi Airports’ commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency.
Operational and Environmental Impact The switch to LED lighting is a signific.
