Abu Dhabi: Zayed International Airport reopens Northern Runway with advanced upgrades
The Northern Runway's reopening will help Zayed International Airport handle growing air traffic and reinforce its status as a global aviation hub.
Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi reopens the Zayed International Airport’s Northern Runway ahead of schedule after completing a series of important upgrades. The project aims to boost safety, efficiency, and sustainability at the airport.
Several key technological enhancements were made during the Northern Runway Rehabilitation project, including:
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Asphalt reinforcement: The runway was resurfaced with 210,000 tonnes of durable asphalt. This makes the runway more resilient, ensuring it can handle heavy aircraft traffic for years to come.
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Ground Visibility Monitoring System: This advanced system improves safety by accurately measuring how far pilots can see during poor weather conditions, such as fog or rain, ensuring smoother flight operations.
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Instrument Landing System (ILS): The upgraded ILS technology guides planes to land with high precision, even in difficult weather, reducing the risk of landing errors and improving overall safety.
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LED lighting: More than 1,200 old halogen lights on the airfield were replaced with energy-efficient LED lights. The new LED lighting not only consumes less energy but also lasts longer, supporting Abu Dhabi Airports’ environmental goals.
Focus on safety and sustainability
These technologies improve flight accuracy, especially in poor weather, and reduce the airport's energy consumption, reflecting Abu Dhabi Airports' commitment to environmental responsibility.
Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), praised the project, saying it highlights the UAE’s focus on innovation and sustainable aviation.
Resuming dual-runway operations
With the Northern Runway back in use, the airport has returned to operating with two runways, allowing it to manage more flights.
While the runway was being upgraded, the airport used only the Southern Runway without any interruptions to flights, maintaining smooth operations throughout.
Elena Sorlini, CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, credited the early completion of the project to careful planning and effective collaboration. She added that these upgrades will help the airport handle increasing air traffic and ensure smooth day-to-day operations.
Supporting UAE’s aviation growth
The new systems and technology make Zayed International Airport more efficient and sustainable, helping to strengthen the country’s position as a leading aviation hub while ensuring a focus on safety and environmental sustainability.