Another Aircraft off the Runway at BRS?

[BBC Chris]

Statement in full:

Latest News

Update On Air Services From Bristol International Airport

(07/01/07)

07 January 2007, 14.00 hrs




UPDATED INFORMATION FROM BRISTOL INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Following concerns of some airlines operating at Bristol International regarding the surface of the temporary sections of the runway during the on-going re-surfacing programme during wet conditions, the airport has been consulting closely with the Civil Aviation Authority, its airlines and its contractors on a way forward.

At all times the CAA has confirmed that appropriate operational measures are in place to assure that the runway is safe for operations in wet and dry conditions.

Detailed assessments have been made this morning on the impact of additional grooving on test strips of the temporary surface, which were put in place during the resurfacing work over the last two nights. These have proved satisfactory in terms of further increasing the drainage of surface water on the temporary sections of the runway which is in the process of being resurfaced.

The CAA has confirmed they have no objection to the proposed additional grooving work to be undertaken on the temporary sections of the runway. We are confident that for those airlines which have suspended their operations at Bristol International Airport, this will address their concerns and allow them to resume operations at the airport.

In order to resume normal services at the airport as quickly as possible, and to clarify the situation for passengers, the airport is closing the runway from 1430 today. This will mean all flights for the rest of Sunday and Monday morning will be either diverted or cancelled. This decision has been made in consultation with our airline partners.

This will allow us to fast-track the on-going work on the temporary surface of part of the runway, which could otherwise only be done at night. Work will continue later today on adding further grooves to the rest of the existing temporary surface.

Bristol International Airport Managing Director, Andrew Skipp said: “Safety is always our top priority. At all times the CAA have confirmed that our runway is safe, and the process we have been following for the re-surfacing, which is still underway, is correct.

“As we have done throughout the resurfacing programme we will continue to liaise fully with our airlines partners and provide them with all the information they need to operate from the airport.

“I can only apologise to travellers for the disruption this is causing to their journeys, and reassure them that we are working hard to rectify the situation as quickly as possible.

Passengers are advised to contact their travel agent or airlines direct for an update, or check the Bristol International website www.bristolairport.co.uk for up to date information.”