Renovation of Helsinki Airport’s Runway 2 to start on May 2

Finavia today announced that it will start the €8 million renovation of Runway 2 at Helsinki Airport on May 2.

As as result of the work, until mid-September, aircraft landing directions will differ from the normal, although the gateway insists that the work will not affect passenger traffic.

“The runway comes under enormous stress, and its structures must be first-class. Continuous inspections and regular renovations ensure safe and punctual air traffic,” says Finavia’s vice president, Jani Elasmaa, who is responsible for Helsinki Airport’s apron and runway operations.

The renovation of Helsinki Airport’s Runway 2 is a two-year project. In summer 2023, the renovation will focus on resurfacing the northern end of Runway 2 (15/33). Stormwater sewers and the electrical systems underneath the runway will be renovated at the same time.

In April, preparatory work will be carried out at the airport, and Runway 2 will not be used for landings from 7am to 5pm. The renovation of the runway will begin on May 2 and end on September 15.

During the renovation work, it will not be possible to land on Runway 2, which means that aircraft landing directions will be different from normal. In May–September, landings from the direction of Nurmijärvi will decrease and landings from the direction of northeast Vantaa and Kerava will increase, which will also affect the direction of aircraft noise.

Turboprop aircraft will take off from Runway 2 in the direction of Tikkurila as usual.

Work will continue in the summer of 2024, when Finavia will renovate the southern end of the runway and replace the navigation and air navigation equipment. Other parts of the runway have already been renovated in previous years.

“The renovation of Runway 2 is an important part of the lifecycle management of Helsinki Airport’s infrastructure,” adds Elasmaa.

“At the same time, we can implement the goals of our environmental work, because improving stormwater drainage also helps us in managing runway runoff water containing anti-skid agents.”

In March, Finavia introduced a wetland built underground at Helsinki Airport, to which runway and apron stormwater is diverted. Finavia’s underground wetland is the first of its kind in the Nordic countries. The wetland improves water quality and balances the flow of water to nature.