THE Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines has expedited the rehabilitation of the Davao International Airport runway, aiming to shorten the rehabilitation to the original target date of May 31.
Currently, Davao International Airport has implemented a 4-hour runway closure to facilitate runway rehabilitation from 12 midnight to 4 in the morning. This has been reduced from the original 6-hour duration to minimize the impact on airline operations. After this period, flight operations at DIA resume to normal.
Approximately 1,200 square meters need repair, involving the removal of 2-inch thick damaged asphalt pavement, application of emulsified asphalt tack coat, laying of hot bituminous asphalt mixture, and repainting of existing runway markings.
The rehabilitation has already achieved 36.67% of work completion.
In the latest Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by CAAP, DIA’s runway will be closed for 4 hours each day from April 8 to May 31. However, CAAP is striving to finish it earlier if there are no adverse weather conditions. With this, the new target completion is on the first week of May.
We are expediting the completion of the project. We ask for understanding from affected passengers because the runway really needs to be repaired, and we cannot afford to risk damaging it, which could pose safety concerns.” CAAP-Davao Area Manager Rex Obcena said.
CAAP first issued a NOTAM regarding the rehabilitation of DIA’s runway on January 29, but it was subsequently put on hold due to adverse weather conditions. Work resumed on March 4, however, due to the restricted four-hour work schedule, which includes cleaning up areas for Foreign Object Debris (FOD), the rate of asphalt works was reduced.
Davao International Airport serves 84 flights daily, with 6 of them being affected by the rehabilitation.
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