Vilnius Airport runway already has a new pavement, reconstruction will be finished on time

Vilnius Airport runway reconstruction will be successfully completed, as scheduled, on August 17th, 23:59 p.m., notes Olaf Martens, director of Vilnius Airport. This conclusion is based on the evaluation of the current state of works: the contractors have already strengthened the ground around the runway, changed the old runway pavement with the new one as well as started installing drainage and rainwater collection systems.

“The halfway point of the reconstruction, which will last for 35 days in total, has already passed. We have already done most of the work – the paving of the runway is completed. Of course, we still have a lot of work to do during the remaining days. But everything is going according to our plans. We even managed to finish several tasks faster than planned and create an additional time buffer. This allows us to be sure that we will be able to return to Vilnius on time. We are glad to announce that because this is a unique project of national importance”, - explained O. Martens.

O. Martens emphasized that employee engagement and professional work were the key factors that made it possible to reach the halfway point of the reconstruction project successfully.

“Despite unfavourable weather conditions, works on the runway are being carried out at maximum intensity and according to the schedule. We are very glad to have a professional team”, - remarked the director of Vilnius Airport.  

O. Martens noted that Vilnius Airport runway reconstruction, which started on 14th of July, included replacing the old pavement, reinforcing its foundation, installing new drainage and rainwater collection systems as well as reconstructing the lighting control system. In total, 100 km of power cables, 240 inspection manholes and 1000 lights will be installed, 180,000 m² of asphalt will be laid. The length of the sewages of rainwater and drainage networks will reach 12.5 km, the length of rainwater collecting gutters – 3 km.

From July 14th to August 17th 23:59 p.m. flights have been diverted to Kaunas Airport which has started preparing for considerably expanding passenger flows at the beginning of this year.

All the main reconstruction works are planned to be completed on August 12-13th, and, after that, calibration flights will be started. Since August 18th flights will start operating from Vilnius Airport. Final reconstruction works that will not interfere with the operation of Vilnius Airport will continue until autumn. The main reconstruction contractor is a consortium of companies led by the Latvian company A.C.B.

Check out our video about Vilnius Airport runway reconstruction works: https://youtu.be/jG1e7g2-4MA