NEWS FLASH
Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport has reopened its overhauled runway 12L-30R (pictured) after a year and a half of work. The 3.400-metre runway, built in 1962, has been layered with high-resistance concrete, specially developed for the project, to improve its weight-bearing capacity. Furthermore, it has a new drainage and LED lighting system, as well as a new system of taxiways, including four rapid exit taxiways (RETs). The RETs enable aircraft to turn off at higher speeds than regular exit taxiways thereby minimising runway occupancy times. The project marks the runway’s most comprehensive overhaul to date. The inserted runway, which was opened last year, will now be used as a parallel taxiway and in case the main one is unable to be utilised for whatever reason. The two cannot be used at the same time due to their proximity, however, today they are being used alternatively. The inserted runway, as well as RETs 1-4, are expected to go out of service shortly for a certain period of time in order to transition the inserted runway into a parallel taxiway. Commenting on the development, the CEO of Belgrade Airport, Chivoine Rem, said, "With the completion of the reconstruction of the main runway, Nikola Tesla Airport enters a new phase of its development, enabling greater efficiency and even higher-quality service. This is one of the key steps toward our goal of making Belgrade a hub for Southeast Europe and facilitating the handling of fifteen million passengers annually by the end of the concession period".
I still can't comprehend why Vinci chose to build a brand new runway so close to the old one so that the can not be used simultaneously.
ReplyDeleteIt seems very short sighted to me.
It wasn't VINCI it was in the concession tender issued by the government of Serbia. Regardless of who won the tender to operate the airport they were required to build it there.
DeleteI think it was decided together with the GoS, so they are to blame even more. But who knows, those kind of deals are usually very untransparent in Serbia.
DeleteIt seems that no one really cares about second runway (yet). The future railway line from airport to Expo complex will run across the future taxiways (after general aviation and E stands) to the second runway. A denivelation must be built for local road and railway, but so far that's not the case.
DeleteSorry but when did anyone plan "future taxiways" there? Did you just make that up?
DeleteWell you have "PDR" (dunno the english word) for the whole airport complex. All land lots across the current road will be used for expansion.
DeleteNew runway must be connected to the current gates and terminals, but the railway line (which was initially supposed to go underground) is now obstructing the future development.
And PDR is can be revised...
DeleteHas the land around the airport needed for expansion been purchased yet?
DeleteThis new runway (taxiway) it actually built so no need for other remote runway. With this parallel taxiway main runway will be used only for short time landing and take off. So, if plane need to go to opposite end of main runway for take off, it will not occupy it for 5-10 minutes, but only for one minute take off. It will use taxiway to taxi to other end. While he is taxiing, 2-3 more landings may occur. Also, when landing, airplane may release main runway with turning to rapid exit on pretty high speeds and than fully brake on parallel taxiway. That's why no extra remote runway is needed until 30-40 million passengers per year.
DeleteIn 10 to 15 years runway will need reconstruction so they will move center of north runway 20 meters north so both runways can be used simultaneously similarly to LGW plans.
DeleteLGW handles 40 milion pax a year with a single runway and you guys are talking of BEG's need for the second runway. Reality check recommended.
DeleteLGW has been begging for decades to be allowed to build a 2nd runway.
DeleteBasic knowledge recommended.
Anon 11:06 "I still can't comprehend"
DeletePlans for inserted runway were published about a decade ago. This solution has both pluses and minuses but people still trying to discuss it now that it's operational are out of touch with reality, to put it very mildly.
To anonymous at 11:47 are you some airline games enthusiast or you are dreaming to become a pilot? maybe this what you wrote can work when you are playing with the toys at home, but not in real life....
DeleteCurrent traffic levels do not support the construction of a new runway but in future it probably will.
ReplyDeleteIt is a very important and expensive piece of infrastructure and they should have made sure that both the new and the refurbished old one could operate at the same time.
+1
DeleteAs we see with airports such at Gatwick its possible to have single runway operations many many many times what Belgrade airport will ever handle. Tbh the whole process of reconstruction has been rather poorly planned. But at least its all coming to an end now.
DeleteGatwick airport is begging to be allowed to construct a 2nd runway for decades but is not allowed by the government.
DeleteAlso, Gatwick does have another runway, but as in Belgrade now, no simultaneous operations allowed ...
DeleteSo shortsighted for BEG. LGW wants a second runway but can’t get it because of land not being available. BEG had land available and chose not to acquire it. That land is getting more snd more expensive by the day not to mention the risk of unplanned (divlja gradnja) or planned railway construction. This new runway project has been planned since 1950s. I saw the very first BEG plans and there was a general aviation runway planned for the other side of the airport road from Day 1. Such foresight then and none now!
DeleteSAW used to process almost 30k pax with a single runway and almost 100% narrow body craft .
Delete