Highlighted areas mark the sections of Runway 4/22 at Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport that will be rehabilitated during a project beginning July 27. Most construction will take place during overnight runway closures through mid-November. Photo courtesy of GSP.
As summer starts turning late and heading into the autumn, you might want to consider scheduling any upcoming flights for the daytime only, as Greenville Spartanburg Airport will begin overnight runway closures July 27 as the first phase of a major rehabilitation of Runway 4/22.
The main thrust of the restoration will repave more than 6,500 feet of runway and 11,001 feet of shoulder and safety areas. Crews will also repair concrete panels and replace runway markings.
“It has been 17 years since Runway 4/22 was last resurfaced – Runway asphalt typically has a service life of 15 to 20 years,” said GSP communications manager Tiffany Cherry. “This project preserves one of GSP's most important assets and ensures the airport can continue operating safely and reliably for years to come.”
The initial closures will run from 11:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. through Sept. 4.
GSP officials plan to conduct preliminary work after the final scheduled arrival each night to avoid disrupting normal daytime air service.
Cherry pointed out that travelers are encouraged to plan ahead and remain flexible with their travel schedules: If possible, consider departing earlier on Friday before the runway closes or delaying travel until Monday after flight operations resume.
“Passengers should continue to communicate with their airline for the latest flight information and any schedule changes, as airlines will provide the most up-to-date flight information,” she said. “GSP has planned the runway rehabilitation to complete this essential project as efficiently as possible while minimizing the impacts to airport operations.”
Airport officials have been working toward the rehabilitation for the past 10 months. But once work for the initial closures is completed, the most significant impacts are scheduled for September.
Passengers anticipating travel after Labor Day weekend, especially late-night trips, are advised to review their airline schedules and reservation details, and coordinate any flight plans with respect to the following:
• Runway 4/22 will close for 60 hours from 8 p.m. Sept. 11 through 8 a.m. Sept. 14, and again from 8 p.m. Sept. 18 through 8 a.m. Sept. 21.
• No flights will operate during these two closure periods, and the terminal will not be open to the public.
• Cargo flights will also stop, although rental-car operations in Garage C are expected to remain available. Other regional airports are not affected by the GSP project.
• Post-closure work will run September 14 to November 12. Nightly closures in this phase will again run from 11:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.
“By investing in the runway now, GSP helps extend its service life, reduce the need for more significant repairs in the future, and maintain dependable operations for passengers, airlines, and cargo carriers,” Cherry said. “We recognize these temporary closures may cause inconvenience, and we appreciate our passengers' patience and understanding. This planned rehabilitation is an important investment in preserving the runway and ensuring GSP continues to provide safe, reliable air service.”
