Airports Antarctica’s first paved runway to be built near Davis station

  • Australian Government

Over the course of Australia´s Antarctic Program, the Australian Government has announced that it has intentions to build a new paved runway in Antarctica.

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The runway will be located near the Davis station in East Antarctica. However, the construction is still subject to environmental approvals. A length of 2700 meters is being considered, as large commercial aircraft require a certain minimum length for take-off and landing.

After three field seasons, a special team has identified a fitting space for the runway. The site is located in the Vestfold Hills, approximately six kilometres from Davis station.

Map of the location © Australian Government

A paved runway would be a first in Antarctica. To date, every aircraft has to land on an ice runway. Since landings on ice are still dangerous, all aircraft are just allowed to land in day light. By building a paved runway, all year-round operations would be possible, as then night landings would be a possible thing. However, circumstances in the winter months will remain difficult, as temperatures often drop to -40° at Davis research station.

The site of the new runway © Australian Government

The new runway will complement the summer only air-link to Wilkins Aerodrome. In a statement, the government said: “A second intercontinental air-link will increase the scale and efficiency of Australia’s Antarctic Program, providing unprecedented access to the continent and enhancing our ability to undertake world class scientific research.”

A six-hour flight lies between the new runway at Davis station and Hobart, Australia, from where most Australian Antarctic missions start.

Julie Bishop MP, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Josh Frydenberg MP, Minister for Energy and the Environment, said in a joint statement: "The establishment of the permanent link between Hobart and Antarctica will enhance Hobart’s role as a gateway to East Antarctica, making it a more attractive destination for Antarctic nations to base their operations in Tasmania."

Source © Antarctica.gov.au

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