Zagreb Airport has announced planned maintenance works on its main runway and Taxiway A, scheduled to begin in May 2026 and last for approximately 45 days.

The works will focus on the threshold area of Runway 04 and the intersection of Taxiways A and B, with the aim of ensuring the long-term safety, reliability and operational integrity of surfaces used for aircraft take-offs and landings, reports EX-YU Aviation. 

During the construction period, a number of temporary operational adjustments will be introduced. Runway 04/22 will be shortened from its current length of 3,252 metres to 2,512 metres, with the threshold of Runway 04 displaced. This will reduce the available take-off and landing distances for aircraft.

Taxiways A and B will be closed to traffic, while low-visibility procedures will be suspended. As a result, only visual and non-precision approaches will be permitted for the duration of the works. The runway width, however, will remain unchanged at 45 metres.

Airport authorities have warned that the reduced operational capacity is likely to lead to longer runway occupancy times, with backtrack manoeuvres expected to be used more frequently for both departures and arrivals.

The temporary changes may also affect wide-body aircraft operations, as the shorter runway could impose restrictions on maximum take-off weight, potentially limiting fuel, cargo or passenger loads on certain flights.

Zagreb Airport said that detailed information, including the exact start date of the maintenance works, will be published at a later stage.

The announcement comes amid memories of previous runway-related disruptions. In May 2024, works on the airport’s runway lighting system led to the cancellation of more than 100 flights operated by Ryanair, highlighting the potential operational impact of major infrastructure works at Croatia’s busiest airport.

The airport has emphasised that the 2026 project is planned well in advance to allow airlines and passengers sufficient time to prepare for the temporary changes.

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