Major airlines flying in and out of Nassau International Airport are seriously concerned about the condition of the main runway, which could cost “major millions” to repair, The Tribune has learned.
Sources familiar with the matter say the overhaul of runway 14/32 is a “matter of priority” for government and could cost between $50-$70 million.
A portion of the runway is in such a state of disrepair – the surface is breaking up and cracking into small pieces – that almost a third of it has been closed to aircraft for more than a year.
Several top US and European airlines and a number of pilots who have spoken with The Tribune have expressed high levels of concern over the runway’s safety, which has sparked further concern among tourism officials about what inadequate airport facilities could do to airlift and by extension the country’s economy.
If a larger aircraft – a 767 or 747 – needs to use a closed portion of the runway it could “spell disaster,” said Tribune sources.
“Should any of the debris be ingested into the engines of a large heavy-laden aircraft that may need to use the full length of the runway for take=off, in the event of an unforeseen problem, it could spell disaster,” said the source.
Government is now looking at a number of quotes and discussing how it will raise the money for the capital works project, Minister of Transport and Aviation Glenys Hanna-Martin told The Tribune yesterday.
Mrs. Hanna-Martin said government was not in a position to release details of the quotes but said the cost could be “potentially” in the major millions.”
She said government is in the process of finalising the plans for a “major overhaul” of the runway and is awaiting the completion of a master plan and a design plan for Nassau International Airport, which would help it make the necessary decisions.
Government is looking at a number of bids and is also considering its options for raising the funds needed, which are not yet in the budget.
Options for funding the major capital project could include a loan or user fee, said the airport officials.
No major works have been carried out on the 20-year-old runway for about 15 years, apart from remedial repairs carried out by associated Asphalt several years ago. But problems still persist.
“Runway 14/32 does not have a problem with 3,000 feet of its 11,325ft length,” Idris Reid, Airport Authority chairman told The Tribune.
“The runway has been closed to all aircraft because of cracking and flaking and both the previous administration and the current administration are aware of the issue,” he said.
Mr. Reid said the closure of a portion of the runway has had no impact on the airport’s operations because aircraft can use the remaining 8,000 feet.
He admitted that as seasons change some aircraft on long haul routes may need more room to take off.
“I can’t tell you what they’d have to do, with regards to reducing fuel or passengers, if they needed more room,” Mr. Reid said.
Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe confirmed that a number of airlines have expressed concern about the runway’s condition, a matter he described as “very serious”.
