Third Runway Fulfils Hopes

Helsinki-Vantaa Airport’s third runway, which opened for traffic in November 2002, ushered in long awaited extra capacity and flexibility. During 2003 the airport’s runway capacity expanded significantly, from about 44 operations (takeoffs and landings) an hour to more than 70. The new runway has also fulfilled its promise in smoothing traffic flow as part of a three-runway system.

Traffic on the new 3,000 metre runway as well as its upkeep functioned faultlessly during the review year. No anomalous situations occurred as a result of its use or maintenance. Staff quickly adjusted to the new systems and operating procedures and the necessary new air traffic management systems worked well. The larger surface area means winter runway maintenance work has increased, but with extra personnel and equipment it has been possible to keep the entire runway area up to the required aviation standards.

In the early stages, the third runway only operated in the afternoons, as planned, but this was extended to the morning hours as early as January 2003. By the end of the year it was usually in use throughout the day, from early morning until half past nine at night. Runway use, whether for takeoffs or landings, is determined by prevailing weather conditions and wind direction – the deciding element always being air safety.