BY FAY SIMMONS

TRIBUNE BUSINESS REPORTER

jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

LYNDEN Pindling International Airport (LPIA) is set for a $6.5m runway rehabilitation project that will see one of its two runways completely closed for up to four weeks, although airport officials expect sufficient capacity to maintain aircraft operations during the works.

Jonathan Hanna, Vice President of Operations at Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD), said the project represents a significant investment in the airport's safety and long-term reliability.

“This work on Runway 14/32 represents a critical investment in maintaining the safety, efficiency and long-term reliability of LPIA’s airside infrastructure,” said Mr Hanna.

“Runway pavement is subject to significant wear over time. Scheduled rehabilitation allows us to proactively address specific areas while maintaining the high operational standards required at our airport.”

NAD announced yesterday that work on Runway 14/32 will begin today and is expected to be completed by October 31, with the project targeting approximately 400,000 square feet of pavement.

The latest works follow the rehabilitation of approximately 484,000 square feet of asphalt pavement on the runway in 2025 and are part of NAD's ongoing programme to maintain the airport's airside infrastructure.

The $6.5m contract has been awarded to Bahamas Hot Mix (BHM), the Bahamian-owned company that carried out the previous rehabilitation works on Runway 14/32.

The project will involve milling the existing asphalt, removing and replacing approximately four inches of pavement and reinstating runway markings.

Runway 14/32 is expected to be completely closed for the first three to four weeks of the project, with aircraft operations shifting to Runway 10/28 during that period.

NAD said Runway 14/32 is then expected to reopen for limited use during subsequent stages until the rehabilitation is completed. Work will take place six days a week, with construction crews using both daytime and nighttime shifts to maintain the project schedule.

Despite the temporary loss of one runway, NAD said a runway capacity study conducted earlier this summer found that LPIA should have sufficient capacity to accommodate anticipated traffic throughout the rehabilitation.

Mr Hanna said the timing of the project was intended to allow most of the work to take place during September and October, following the busy summer travel period and ahead of the year-end increase in traffic.

“At a busy airport like LPIA, there is never a perfect time to schedule this type of work,” he said. “We operate during an active hurricane season six months out of the year and we have several robust peak travel periods annually.”

“With that in mind, we are working to complete the rehabilitation as efficiently as possible during this off-peak season and hopefully with minimal weather delays.”

NAD said maintaining airport operations during the project will require extensive coordination with airlines and other airport stakeholders, including the Bahamas Air Navigation Services Authority, the Airport Authority and other partners.

Mr Hanna said LPIA has successfully managed single-runway operations in the past and the company will work to minimise disruption.

“Maintaining airport operations during the project requires significant planning and coordination. For portions of the work, LPIA’s airside operations will be reduced from two runways to one,” he said.

“We have successfully managed single-runway operations in the past and will continue to work closely with our airport partners to reduce disruptions.”

The airport operator said residents and businesses at the western and eastern ends of New Providence could notice increased aircraft traffic during certain stages of the project as flight operations are adjusted.

Motorists travelling around Windsor Field are also being urged to exercise caution because heavy construction equipment will be operating in the area.

Passengers travelling through LPIA have been advised to contact their airlines directly for the latest flight information during the rehabilitation period.