Sky Harbor Delays Expected As North Runway Closes For Repairs

PHOENIX, AZ – Be prepared for additional delays if you plan on traveling in or out of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport over the next six weeks. The airport is shutting down one of its three runways starting on Monday.

The closure of the north runway, which will last until February 21, is necessary to replace part of the pavement.

Airport officials say that they worked with the Federal Aviation Administration to determine when the closure would have the smallest impact on travelers.

They say that travelers should expect 30 minute delays during the busiest travel times – between 7:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. and between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m..

Airport officials add that the airlines have had months to prepare for the closure so they anticipate that the delays should not be too bad.

The runway last closed in October 2016 for a month-long repair. As long as this repair, it won't be the longest. That was a 90-day closure of the center runway when it was changed to concrete from asphalt.

Officials concede there will be one bad thing during the closure.

Flight paths in and out of the airport will be focused on the two runways on he southern part of the airport. That means people living to the west and east of those runways will experience increased noise during the closure.

As always, people are urged to call their airline tp check on flight status.

Photo courtesy Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.