Maastricht Aachen Airport closes for eight weeks due to runway renovation

From Monday, Maastricht Aachen Airport (MAA) will be closed for eight weeks due to the renovation of its runway. The airport said that the runway, which is 2750 metres long and 45 metres wide, is in need of renovation due to wear and tear on the asphalt. This is because the release of small particles can cause damage to aircraft. The renovation is an extensive job and will be carried out by contractor Dura Vermeer. In total, over 71,000 tonnes of asphalt will be laid, a thousand light fittings will be replaced and about 15 kilometres of lines will be installed. In addition, some 100 kilometres of cabling will be needed for the renovation. On the busiest days, around 250 people will be at work.

MAA’s shareholder, the province of Limburg, has earmarked 35 million euros for the renovation. According to the airport, Dura Vermeer’s contract sum is around 22 million euros, excluding additional costs such as plan preparation, project management and supervision. The renovation will last until 30 June and during this time no aircraft will land or take off from MAA. According to MAA, this will offset the increase in nitrogen emissions.