The Davao International Airport (DIA) is implementing a four-hour runway closure from 12 midnight to 4 a.m. until May 31, 2024 to facilitate the rehabilitation work on the runway.

The closure began on April 8, accoring to a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) but has been reduced to four hours, instead of the original six hours.

“This has been reduced from the original six-hour duration to minimize the impact on airline operations. After this period, flight operations at DIA resume to normal,” CAAP said.

According to CAAP, the rehabilitation has been expedited to meet the target completion in the first week of May. As of this writing, rehabilitation work is 36.67 percent complete.

“With this, the new target completion is on the first week of May,” CAAP added.

CAAP said approximately 1,200 square meters of the runway need repair, which involve the removal of two-inch thick damaged asphalt pavement, application of emulsified asphalt tack coat, laying of hot bituminous asphalt mixture, and repainting of existing runway markings.

“We are expediting the completion of the project. We ask for understanding from affected passengers because the runway really needs to be repaired, and we cannot afford to risk damaging it, which could pose safety concerns.” CAAP-Davao Area Manager Rex Obcena said.

“CAAP first issued a NOTAM regarding the rehabilitation of DIA's runway on January 29, but it was subsequently put on hold due to adverse weather conditions. Work resumed on March 4, however, due to the restricted four-hour work schedule, which includes cleaning up areas for Foreign Object Debris (FOD), the rate of asphalt works was reduced,” CAAP said.

CAAP added that six of the 84 flights served by DIA daily are affected by the rehabilitation.