Travelers heading to and from Honolulu Airport (HNL) should prepare for potential delays as major runway work is set to shift into high gear.
On the positive side, the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) has announced that Runway 4R-22L will reopen on January 23, 2025, at 6 p.m., following its rehabilitation as part of the ongoing and seemingly endless Runway and Taxiway Shoulders Rehabilitation Project.
However, the reopening brings bad news of further closures that could disrupt flight schedules and impact nearby communities.
Runway 4L-22R closure and timeline starts January 24.
The closure is for 41 days, with work planned to continue through March 5, 2025, weather permitting. During this period, other runways at HNL, including 8L-26R, 8R-26L, and the newly reopened 4R-22L, will remain operational.
The temporary closure is required to complete paving and drainage upgrades that ensure compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) safety standards.
While HDOT hopes and plans for minimal impact on airfield operations, interisland flights departing HNL during peak hours (mid-morning to early afternoon) could encounter delays.
A previous traveler, Carolyn T, shared her experience during a similar closure last year: “May 24th, we experienced a one-hour delay because of the closed runway…It was not a long delay, but he indicated the delays get longer as the day goes by.”
Transpacific travelers will hopefully be less affected, as arrivals are prioritized under the adjusted runway operation schedule.
Noise concerns for Honolulu neighborhoods.
The closure and rerouting of flights during this period are expected to increase potential aircraft noise in neighborhoods surrounding HNL. Communities already accustomed to airport noise may notice an uptick in such activity as certain flight paths are temporarily adjusted.
A former HNL employee, CW G, reflected on the airport’s challenges: “Honolulu Airport… management was always political appointees. Almost all the contracts were to subpar construction companies that cut corners.”
HDOT has acknowledged the inconvenience and expressed appreciation for the public’s patience, reiterating the importance of the upgrades to maintain safe and efficient air travel.
Transparency, public concerns, no airport authority.
The ongoing runway repairs at HNL continue to spark questions about the durability and oversight of such projects. Traveler Michael W previously observed repairs on Runway 8L, noting: “As we taxied across 8L this afternoon, I could see light-colored squares in a patchwork pattern – are these the repaired panels? … How much concrete is removed to correct spalling? Are they exposing rebar? How is bonding achieved with the underlying remaining concrete?”
These comments underscore the public’s desire for greater transparency regarding infrastructure projects, especially as the modernization of HNL continues. That is even more so since Hawaii is one of the only states without a dedicated airport authority, leaving its airports under the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) jurisdiction.
This structure has been criticized for lacking the focused expertise and accountability that an independent airport authority might provide. As a result, decisions impacting critical infrastructure often face delays or inefficiencies, further fueling public frustration.
For more context, Issues Plague Honolulu Airport Despite Billions Spent On Improvements explores how systemic challenges have hampered progress at HNL and other Hawaii airports.
The bigger picture of modernizing HNL.
The Runway and Taxiway Shoulders Rehabilitation Project is part of a broader initiative to modernize HNL and maintain its role as a critical hub for Hawaii’s air travel. The project is set for completion in October 2025, marking a significant step toward meeting updated FAA standards and accommodating future growth in air traffic.
Stacey, a resident, has advocated for a more holistic approach to improving Hawaii airports, suggesting that HDOT leadership form a citizen’s committee: “Hawaii is a special place with a very special culture. We should bring our music, food, arts, etc., at the airports. Terrible that a spam musubi or malasada is missing at Hawaii airports.”
For frequent travelers and residents alike, these improvements are a necessary tradeoff to ensure safety and efficiency at Hawaii’s busiest airport.
What travelers can do.
Checking flight schedules regularly is key to staying informed, particularly for interisland routes that may face peak-hour delays. Arriving early and allowing extra time can also help mitigate potential stress. Staying updated with announcements from HDOT and airlines will clarify any schedule or operation changes.
Photo Credit: Beat of Hawaii at HNL.
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Runway 4L is the shortest of the 4 runways at HNL. At less than 7000 feet, its closure won’t impact operations now that 4R has reopened. I flew in and out of HNL yesterday. All landing traffic was using 26L, and takeoffs were on 26R.
I cannot tell you how many times when I was flying home and my bags would end up in Honolulu. Airport code is HNL, and I was going home to HLN, Helena, MT. Never sent me to HNL by mistake though.
Great timing 🙄 on the morning of the 18th I’m flying in from San Jose to catch the once weekly flight to Rarotonga. Hopefully I don’t get delayed
Runway 4L being closed will have zero impact on major airline operations. It is too small to be used by anyone but Mokulele. Having 4R back open is what matters far more than 4L closing.