Work is currently underway to extend Skellefteå Airport's runway by 420 meters. When the extended runway is put into service in early September, it will be 2,520 meters long and will be able to accommodate both more environmentally friendly planes and larger aircraft reaching new destinations.
– Skellefteå Airport is a jet engine for the region's development and a "An integral part of the economic success of northern Sweden. With the capacity to accommodate larger planes and more travelers, our chances of lifting the entire Norrland and Swedish Lapland increase," says Robert Lindberg, CEO, Skellefteå Airport.
The strategic direction to extend the runway was taken back in 2015 in connection with the development of Skellefteå Airport's master plan. It was clear in it that a longer runway would enable tour operators to deploy aircraft capable of flying intercontinental traffic, an important component for the development of the Skellefteå region. As a direct result of the decision to extend the runway, TUI announced its intention to fly direct charter flights to Thailand from Skellefteå and on January 17, 2020, TUI Airways will take off with its new Boeing 787 Dreamliner to Krabi, Thailand from Skellefteå Airport.
When the extension is complete, Skellefteå Airport will have the longest runway in Västerbotten. The extended runway also means that aircraft that cannot brake with their engines and thus require a longer landing distance will be able to land at Skellefteå Airport all year round. This opens up expanded opportunities but also environmental benefits.
–Skellefteå is growing. Our development, with large business establishments and investments in infrastructure, also requires an airport that can meet the demands of travel, both private and for work. Therefore, the extension of the runway is a natural part of Skellefteå's strong development, says Maria Marklund, municipal councilor in Skellefteå.
Work to extend the runway, which began in April, is taking place at the eastern end of the runway and is divided into two phases, ground work and paving work. Despite strict requirements for flight safety in connection with work on the runway, the project will not affect air traffic from Skellefteå Airport. During the ground work phase, the contractor NCC adapts its work to the flight schedule. Work during the paving phase, which also includes new paving of the existing runway's wearing course, will mainly be carried out at night when there is no air traffic. In connection with the extension, the airport's ILS (instrument landing system) and some meteorological equipment will also be updated.
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