The Bucharest Airports National Company (CNAB) has launched the tender process for the complete rehabilitation of Runway 1 at “Henri Coandă” International Airport. According to CNAB, this is the largest investment project ever undertaken at the Otopeni airport.
What the project includes
CNAB states that the plan covers the full reconstruction and modernization of Runway 08R-26L, along with the construction of five new taxiways. Two existing taxiways will also be upgraded, and the entire lighting and signaling system for both the runway and taxiways will be replaced.
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The project extends to underground infrastructure as well: modernization of the cable networks supplying the lighting systems, adjustments to the runway safety area, relocation of sections of the perimeter road and the construction of anti-blast platforms at both ends of the runway to protect the embankments from aircraft engine exhaust.
To avoid major disruption to flight operations, work will be carried out in stages. The design phase will last nine months, while execution is scheduled for slightly less than a year and a half.
Project value and expected deadlines
The estimated value of the works is 106 million euros. CNAB specifies that the execution phase will last a maximum of 16 months, the design nine months, and the minimum guarantee period is five years. Bids can be submitted until December 18, 2025.
The company reminds that the last full modernization of Runway 1 took place in 1994. In 2017, repair work was carried out to maintain safety standards, during the previous mandate of CNAB’s current director general, Bogdan Mîndrescu.
Runway 1 serves both civilian and military aviation, including aircraft operating from the 90th Airlift Base.
Photo: ZF
