Air traffic at Nassau International Airport was back to its “creeping ﾠpace” yesterday following the closure of the newly repaired runway 14/32.
NIAhas been operating with one runway since the main airstrip was closed early last week, according to an airport source, who says that crews have already dug up three areas to resurface te new runway.
The refurbishment of 14/32 was part of a $35.5 million airport renewal contract signed between the Airport Authority and Lagan Holdings.
According to the airport source, runway 14/32 was closed due to structural damage to the strip. This information was confirmed by another employee from the Airport Authority who spoke to The Tribune on condition of anonymity.
According to this source, the threshold, or the northernmost section of 14/32, “sank” when a 767 aircraft was making a 180 degree turn on the strip. The weight of the plane couple with the heat of the day, reportedly caused the tar to bubble and sink.
Planes now have to taxi an extra 1,500 feet to get off the runway to allow other aircraft access to runway 09.
“Initially it was reported that the surface was damaged but that’s where the surface was initially messed up. The runway in San Salvador is an excellent runway, which has been grooved as well, and you would think that they would go the whole nine yards with the international one. But it’s like the old people used to say, ‘haste makes waste’,” the source said.
Runways are grooved to allow water to run off them more freely and the grooves allow for better braking or traction with the aircraft.
Source: The Tribune
