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 significant move towards reducing the airport’s energy consumption and environmental footprint.

These upgrades not only align with the airport’s sustainability goals but also meet international standards for eco-friendly aviation practices.

The enhanced Instrument Landing System (ILS) and Runway Visual Range (RVR) systems also improve the airport’s operational capabilities during adverse weather, ensuring safe and efficient landings.

Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), emphasized that the successful completion of the project aligns with the UAE’s vision for innovation and sustainable growth in the aviation sector.

He praised Abu Dhabi Airports for their foresight in improving the infrastructure to enhance safety, efficiency, and capacity, positioning Zayed International Airport as a key global hub.

Managing increasing Air Traffic

The reopening of the Northern Runway will enable Zayed International Airport to better manage the growing airline demand.

During the runway closure, the airport successfully operated using only the Southern Runway, demonstrating its ability to handle increased traffic without significant disruptions.

Elena Sorlini, MD and CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, attributed the project’s early completion to effective planning and teamwork.

She highlighted that the upgraded infrastructure would optimize the airport’s throughput and prepare it for future growth in air traffic.

This successful early reopening of the Northern Runway further solidifies Zayed International Airport’s role as a leading airport in the known for cutting-edge technology and sustainable operations.

These developments ensure that Abu Dhabi will continue to play a pivotal role in the global aviation industry, enhancing both passenger experience and safety while maintaining a strong focus on environmental responsibility​

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