Airport to close for runway repairs

The runway, taxiway and aircraft stands handle about 200 passenger and cargo flights a day

East Midlands Airport (EMA) is carrying out a series of scheduled closures to make repairs to the runway.

However bosses at the Castle Donington airport say the work will have zero impact on customers as it has been scheduled for "no flight hours".

The airport is scheduled to close between 10:00 and 16:00 GMT on 18 December as well as 8, 15, 22 and 29 January and 5 and 12 February.

EMA said the repairs to its runway, taxiways and other parts of the airfield would ensure "ongoing safety and effectiveness of its passenger and cargo operations".

About 116 vehicles and 126 personnel are working across the airfield on each day of repairs

Essential maintenance usually takes place on an annual basis during overnight hours to minimise disruption, airport bosses said.

However, this year, the airport is carrying out the work - part of a £120m investment programme - during daylight hours.

EMA said working during the day was safer and allowed teams to get more done.

The work includes resurfacing plus upgrades to runway edge lights, drainage and the hydrant system.

Guy Slack says runway inspections are carried out twice a year

Programme delivery manager Guy Slack said maintenance work had not taken place during daylight hours for three years.

"It's very unusual but we have gone from a four-hour overnight shift to an eight-hour daytime shift, which enables greater scope, more operational resilience and a safer working environment," he said.

Asset management director James Ayre said they had been planning the works for nine months.

"We appreciate the understanding and co-operation of all affected parties as we carry out these vital improvements," he said.