There will be up to up to seven months of overnight closures on the east-west runway at Melbourne Airport, during maintenance works.
Melbourne Airport chief of aviation Jim Parashos said all aircrafts will arrive and depart at the north-south runway, which may result in more noise for people living to the north and south of the airport.
“We recognise that this can be disruptive and we sincerely thank local communities for their patience,” Mr Parashos said.
The works will take place on Monday to Friday nights between 10pm to 6am from 21 January through until August, subject to weather conditions.
“The works are being undertaken to ensure the east-west runway remains in a sound condition to support aircraft movements for the next 10-12 years,” Mr Parashos said.
“Careful planning has gone into the works to balance safety, community impacts and the operational needs of Australia’s largest 24-hour airport.”
The east-west runway is the shorter of Melbourne Airport’s two runways at 2286 metres.
Mr Parashos said although it is challenging to continue operations with one runway, the overnight closure ensures maximum flexibility during the busiest hours of the day.
The project will include laying 10,000 tonnes of new asphalt, line marking, grooving and upgrades to lighting systems.
“While these works are underway, we continue planning and early works for our third runway, which is scheduled to open in 2031,” Mr Parashos
Questions about the works can be sent to community@melair.com.au, you can submit noise complaints by calling 1800 802 584 or visiting https://www.airservicesaustralia.com/community/environment/aircraft-noise/about-making-acomplaint
