Norfolk International Airport closed a secondary runway as it continues a $1 billion upgrade.
Jeff Bass, vice president of capital projects, said the closure won’t significantly impact airport operations. Less than 1% of Norfolk’s traffic uses runway 14/32, which stretches 4,876 feet long, because it is too small for most commercial planes. Expanding it to serve larger aircraft would have posed an airspace conflict with military installations.
“It’s no longer cost-effective for us,” Bass said.
The crosswind runway was constructed in 1943 for government use and turned over to the public in 1947. Its closure allows Norfolk to develop off-airport land that it’s kept clear for runway safety purposes. Bass was sparse with specifics, but said talks have begun.
“There’s opportunities that we didn’t have before to bring in non-aeronautical revenue to the airport,” Bass said.
The closure makes room for building corporate hangars, plane deicing and air cargo facilities. Norfolk will also straighten out Robin Hood Road to improve access to the airport.
It’s not the only construction travelers will see at the airport. Work continues on adding three new gates to Concourse A. Norfolk is also receiving a U.S. Customs and Border Protection inspection facility and a Global Entry processing center, among other projects.
The overhaul is expected to cost $1 billion. Airport leaders hope the improvements and several years of record-breaking passenger counts can entice airlines to offer international flights as early as this year.
