New York JFK closes longest runway as four-month renovation begins

New York JFK's longest commercial runway was closed yesterday for four months of construction and repair work that will force a reduction in overall arrivals and departures by nearly 20% and resulted in delays averaging 100 min. on the first day, according to FAA's Air Traffic Control System Command Center.

Work on 14,572-ft. runway 13R-31L will cost some $376.3 million and will be funded by FAA ($83.9 million) and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey ($292.4 million). It is the second phase of the JFK Delay Reduction Program and is "expected to reduce flight delays overall by an estimated 10,500 hr. per year," the office of New York Gov. David Paterson said.

The Port Authority said airlines "are adjusting schedules and operations to mitigate delays, and the airport's three remaining runways will be utilized to their full capabilities during the closure." Runway 13-31 handles about a third of the airport's operations, including more than half of all departures.

JetBlue Airways, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines each will maintain their winter schedules at JFK until July. JetBlue, which has its principal hub there, will operate an average of 150 departures during the period compared to its normal summer schedule of 180, according to reports. Ticket prices are expected to increase along with the reduction in capacity.

Yesterday's delays were exacerbated by high winds, which reached 35 mph and forced JFK to operate on just one runway for part of the day, the Associated Press reported. An FAA spokesperson said that airport officials anticipated cutting back to one runway due to wind up to four days during the four-month period. "Figures, it happens the first day," the spokesperson remarked.

Modifications on 13-31 will include milling 6 in. of existing runway asphalt and overlaying with 18 in. of concrete, widening the runway from 150 to 200 ft., widening taxiway intersections and creating greater taxiway access, installing new lighting and electrical infrastructure and installing new electrical feeder systems and accommodations for future navigational aids.