The Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA) will undergo a significant multi-year runway rehabilitation project, thanks to $64.7 million in federal Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) funding. The project, which fully begins in October 2024, is a direct response to the persistent and critical issues that have plagued the airport’s runway for years, leading to many disruptions and safety concerns.
A troubled history: Kona Airport’s runway issues.
Kona Airport has been at the center of several runway-related challenges that have significantly impacted air travel to and from the island. In recent years, the airport has experienced multiple runway closures due to severe cracking and other structural problems that posed safety risks. These issues have led to unexpected disruptions, affecting both residents and visitors.
One of the most notable incidents occurred earlier this year when the runway was abruptly closed due to extensive cracking. In the article “Kona Airport Closed Due to Runway Crackin,” we highlighted the runway closure due to deteriorating conditions and the urgent need for a comprehensive solution. This was not an isolated incident; similar problems have occurred repeatedly, raising serious concerns about the long-term reliability of the airport’s critical infrastructure.
In, “How Kona Airport Runway Fiasco Leaves Hawaii Travel in Disarray,” we looked at how these runway issues have frustrated travelers and disrupted the flow of tourism to the Big Island. That spoke to broader implications for Hawaii’s travel industry, which relies heavily on consistent and safe airport operations.
The $200 million fix for Kona and Lihue.
The recurring problems at Kona Airport are part of a broader issue affecting multiple airports across Hawaii. See “Will $200 Million Fix Damaged Hawaii Airport Runways at Kona and Lihue?.” Significant funding has now been allocated to address these widespread infrastructure deficiencies. The upcoming runway rehabilitation at Kona is a crucial part of this long-awaited and important effort, aiming to resolve the persistent issues that have led to numerous runway closures and other operational challenges.
The Kona Airport rehabilitation project: What travelers can expect.
The Runway 17-35 Rehabilitation Project at Kona Airport is a comprehensive effort to restore and upgrade the runway to meet modern standards and ensure its long-term operational reliability. Key aspects of the project include:
Rehabilitation and reconstruction: The project will focus on resurfacing the Asphalt Concrete (AC) and Portland Cement Concrete (PCC) pavement on the 11,000-foot-long runway, addressing the structural issues that have caused repeated cracking.
Taxiway upgrades: The project includes upgrading the geometry of connecting taxiways to meet current FAA standards, enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
Infrastructure improvements: Besides the pavement work, the project will update runway markings, signage, lighting, and navigation aids (NAVAIDS) to bring the airport up to the current FAA standards.
Construction phases and flight impacts.
The rehabilitation project will be executed in multiple phases, beginning with pre-construction activities in October 2024 and then moving into the main construction phase starting in November. The work is expected to continue through April 2026, with various stages requiring nighttime closures and periods when the runway will be shortened. And that is if everything goes as planned.
To hopefully minimize disruptions, most of the work is scheduled to be done during nighttime hours, but travelers should still expect some impact on operations, especially during peak construction periods. The project has been carefully planned to avoid unnecessary closures during major holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, aligning with FAA-imposed moratoriums on runway closures.
An important investment in Hawaii’s airport infrastructure.
The upcoming rehabilitation of Runway 17-35 at Kona Airport is vital for the future of Hawaii air travel. It addresses the longstanding issues that have caused disruptions in the past and aims to provide a safe, reliable, and efficient runway for years to come.
For more detailed information about the project and its timeline, you can also visit the official project page here.
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Instead of doing piecemeal repairs when they are needed, why not invest in adding an additional runway as there seems to be plenty of land? That way, necessary repairs can be made on either runway with minimal closures/ disruptions! Money is being spent to upgrade the terminal areas but what good will it be if you can’t get the travelers in or out via working runways?