Why is Dublin Airport Modernizing Its Primary Runway for Enhanced Safety?

The Dublin Airport Authority (daa) has initiated a multi-year project to modernize its primary runway, 10R/28L. This significant aviation infrastructure investment aims to enhance operational efficiency and safety across the airfield. The work includes major pavement rehabilitation and the installation of advanced technology.

Project Scope and Goals

This multi-year primary runway upgrade project is essential for maintaining the airport's critical infrastructure. The existing runway, which has been in service for decades, requires a comprehensive overhaul to ensure compliance with modern standards. The daa confirmed the project will focus on two key areas:

• Pavement Rehabilitation: A full resurfacing of the runway surface is planned. This is vital to handle the increasing volume of air traffic and heavy aircraft movements at the airport.
• New Lighting Systems Installation: The project will include upgrading the Airfield Ground Lighting (AGL) system. This involves replacing older fittings with energy-efficient LED lights and installing new electrical cabling. Such upgrades improve visibility and navigation for pilots, especially in low-visibility conditions.

Previous rehabilitation work on this runway involved installing over 1,700 new LED lights, which reduced energy consumption by a reported 66%. The current project is expected to deliver similar environmental and efficiency benefits.

Minimizing Disruption to Air Traffic

A key challenge for any major airport upgrade is maintaining normal operations. The daa plans to execute the Dublin Airport runway modernization with minimal disruption to air traffic. This is made possible by the operational capacity provided by the airport’s second, parallel North Runway (10L/28R), which opened in 2022.

Construction is primarily scheduled during nighttime hours. This strategy allows the airport to close the older runway for maintenance while flights continue to use the newer runway. The careful scheduling ensures that the airport can continue to meet the high demand for slots, especially during the busy summer season.

• Work will be conducted during restricted overnight windows.
• The North Runway (10L/28R) will handle scheduled night operations.
• This dual-runway capability is critical for project success.

Industry and Regulatory Context

The need for this work is driven by the mandate to meet stringent international safety standards. The upgrade ensures compliance with regulations set by bodies like the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) oversees capacity and operational parameters at the airport.

This Dublin Airport Authority investment is part of a broader infrastructure plan. The plan aims to support the airport's continued growth as a major transatlantic hub, particularly for carriers like Aer Lingus and Ryanair. The IAA’s capacity decision for the Summer 2026 scheduling season already accounts for ongoing construction and infrastructure projects. Delivering on these infrastructure commitments is tied to future regulatory decisions on airport charges.

The long-term benefit is a more resilient and modern airfield. This will support increased capacity and reduce the risk of weather-related delays, benefiting both airlines and passengers.

Stay ahead of the airline industry with commercial aviation news from flying.flights. For reporting on UAP sightings, investigations, and aviation-related encounters, see the UAPs section at flying.flights/uaps.