Minneapolis-St. Paul airport schedules runway improvements for 2025

These improvements include safety area grading of Runway 12R-30L, drainage and shoulder enhancements, and the reconstruction of Taxiway D near Taxiway W. The designated runway safety area is intended to mitigate risks in cases of inadvertent aircraft departures from the runway. It must be devoid of debris, adequately graded, and supportive of aircraft and emergency vehicles.

During the closure, the airport will adjust its operations to accommodate ongoing air traffic. The air traffic control (ATC) will assess various factors such as wind and operational efficiency while utilizing the priority Runway Use System (RUS) to direct flights over less populated residential zones where possible, reducing noise disruption.

As the work progresses, residents near the airport might witness altered flight patterns and a possible increase in aircraft activity, contingent on daily operational needs. Once construction concludes, all operations are expected to return to normal.

The airport has seen upgrades in phases over recent years, including the temporary closures of other runways for safety refurbishments. These efforts are part of a broader maintenance strategy essential for ensuring ongoing safe operations at such a key infrastructure hub.