Construction work underway at Melbourne airport

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2005 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

Construction to widen the main runway at Melbourne Airport, Australia began on Tuesday (5 April).

The north-south runway is to be widened by 15 metres in preparation for the new Airbus A380. Australian airline Qantas has ordered 12 A380s and plans to operate a 500-passenger service between Melbourne and Los Angeles, reported Australia's ABC Online.

During the works, expected to last up to six weeks, all aircraft will operate from the east-west runway, which may cause congestion and delays during travel peaks, especially from 0730 to 0930, 1130 to 1330 and 1730 to 1930 local time, said an airport spokesperson.

The runway widening is part of an upgrade to the airport worth AUD220m.

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