Scottsdale Airport is set to temporarily close Runway 03/21 and all taxiways in October for scheduled pavement preservation maintenance aimed at extending the lifespan of the airfield. The maintenance project will not alter the runway’s dimensions, weight-bearing capacity, or its ability to accommodate larger aircraft.
Details of the Maintenance Work
The scheduled work will encompass rubber removal, pavement treatment, and the replacement of runway and taxiway markings. This maintenance is part of the airport’s routine preservation efforts, which are planned annually based on the airfield’s condition. This year’s project takes place approximately midway between major runway resurfacing initiatives, with the last full resurfacing occurring in the summer of 2021 through a grant from the Federal Aviation Administration.
Maintaining the runway between major resurfacing projects helps the airport meet FAA standards regarding its useful life and protects the city’s prior investments in the airfield.
Closure Schedule
The runway and taxiways will close overnight from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. starting Sunday, Oct. 18, through Friday, Oct. 23. A full closure will commence at 9 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24, with the airport scheduled to reopen at noon on Saturday, Oct. 31. Daytime closures of this nature are uncommon, as most routine maintenance is typically completed overnight or with minimal disruption to operations.
During the closures, no aircraft operations will be allowed. Airport users are advised to plan accordingly and reach out to their flight operators or service providers regarding individual flight schedules.
Funding for the Project
This pavement preservation project is financed through aviation enterprise fund dollars generated by airport operations, not from the city’s General Fund. By carrying out this maintenance now, Scottsdale Airport aims to preserve the runway, minimize future maintenance requirements, and maintain safe and efficient operations.
Source: City of Scottsdale
