Brisbane Airport’s New Runway Opening on 12 July 2020

The new runway under construction at Brisbane Airport (BNE) is due to open on 12 July 2020, the Brisbane Airport Corporation has confirmed.

The third runway at Brisbane Airport has been under construction for the past 8 years, after 40 years of planning. The runway surface is now sealed, and line marking on the runway and taxiways is now underway ahead of the July 2020 opening date.

The new runway, which runs parallel to the existing main runway, will be designated as 01L/19R. The current main runway 01/19 was renumbered as 01R/19L.

The construction project cost around $1.1 billion. As part of the project, around four years of engineered compression was required to solidify the ground because the new runway is built on what was previously part of the Brisbane River delta. But the new runway is expected to generate far beyond its cost price in long term economic benefits for the airport and Brisbane.

“The new runway is so much more than asphalt; it is an enabler for growth across all facets, with an estimated 7,800 new jobs created by 2035 and an additional five billion in annual economic benefit to the region,” Brisbane Airport CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff said.

“We are seeing firsthand that the new runway is bringing more flights, destinations and choices for the travelling public, and this growth will only strengthen from 12 July 2020,” Mr de Graaff said.

Brisbane Airport has been prone to air traffic control delays during peak hours in recent years. The new runway in Brisbane will hopefully put an end to this. The extra capacity will also result in more airlines, flights and destinations becoming available from Brisbane Airport. But the airport acknowledges that the additional air traffic and changes to flight paths could result in more aircraft noise for some Brisbane residents.

In advance of the official runway opening, Brisbane Airport will organise two community events – a runway fun run and a free open day. Tickets for these events will be limited, but you can subscribe on the Brisbane Airport website for updates on the ticket release.

Nearby in Maroochydore, the new runway at Sunshine Coast Airport is expected to open on 21 May 2020.

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Matt Graham

The editor of Australian Frequent Flyer, Matt's passion for travel has taken him to over 70 countries… with the help of frequent flyer points, of course!
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