The renovation of runway 25L/07R at Brussels Airport has been completed 18 days ahead of schedule. The runway has undergone extensive rejuvenation over the course of the last three months to ensure better safety and performance for aircraft.
Employing a technology-focused design, Brussels Airport installed a number of changes to the runway, which was last renovated in 1985.
Brussels Airport’s runway renovation has been completed, including the implementation of new technologies such as low-energy LED lights to aid carbon reduction. Photo credit: Brussels Airport Company
Among the changes is a new runway lighting system fitted with 1,300 energy efficient LED lamps instead of halogen lamps, which will lower the airport’s carbon footprint by 116 tonnes per year. Another key change is the runway grooving, which will help to improve the friction of the runway and drain it when there is heavy rain. This means better grip for aircraft, as well as longer lasting tyres.
The runway features 85,000 new grooves, each of which is 3cm to 4cm apart. The grooving helps to drain the runway of rain. Photo credit: Brussels Airport Company
Furthermore, the asphalt that was removed during the works has been reused in the foundations of the runway, reducing waste by 100,000 tonnes. Other changes include renewing cables, sewerage renovation and waterproof tunnel lining replacement.
Brussels Airport is also accredited at the Optimisation level of ACI’s Airport Carbon Accreditation, and the sustainable runway renovation is a further effort by the airport to reduce its carbon emissions.
The two other runways at the airport, 25R/07L and 01/19, are due for renovation in the near future.
