Second phase of runway works completed at Norilsk airport

The runway will undergo further refurbishment in 2018 (Civil Airport Administration)

The second phase of runway renovation has been completed at Norilsk’s Alykel airport. Federal Air Transport Agency has reported granting the certificate to the aiport confirming its compliance with aircraft handling requirements.

On September 15 the airport started to operate the entire 3,430-meter length of its runway, 3,430 meters, allowing it to receive medium-range aircraft operating direct flights from Moscow and other cities.

The second phase lasted from June to September. It included repaving a 1,020 m stretch of the runway, the taxiway, and associated infrastructure.

The restrictions applied during the reconstruction period have now been lifted.

The first reconstruction phase was completed in September last year, after which the airport resumed unrestricted operations.

The third phase is expected to start in June next year, and should continue until September 15, 2018.

It will involve renovation of a 1,081-meter-long runway stretch, as well as the installation of new lighting and security equipment.

Finally, in 2019, the airport will get a new apron. Alykel will continue to provide at least a certain amount of airside services throughout the refurbishment process.

This piecemeal approach is explained by the fact that Norilsk is located in one of the world’s coldest regions, so construction works are only possible during the summer months.

The reconstruction effort at Alykel is in line with the federal program to develop Russia’s transportation system in 2010-20.

Norilsk served 219,500 passengers in 2016, down 3.1% year-on-year.