Runways, Aprons and Taxiways

[LBA4EVER]

Don’t get me wrong I know 2x new stands will be built this winter. I honestly just feel they haven’t learnt from last summers problems and these new stands should have been given priority and built last winter.
Looking at the departure boards it’s has caused quite a few delayed departures this afternoon and it’s only getting busier, so it could get even worse before we get to peak summer 24 season.

Seriously common sense would say construct all 10 new stands in one go, how on earth are just 2 new stands going to help, for eg with just 2 extra stands they would of all been taken up this afternoon, so any additional aircraft arrivals which is going to happen in the near future and on numerous days plus of course any additional night stopping aircraft the airport would be stuck again. It amazes me the slow pace the airport management think.

 

[White Heather]

Seriously common sense would say construct all 10 new stands in one go, how on earth are just 2 new stands going to help, for eg with just 2 extra stands they would of all been filled this afternoon so any additional aircraft arrivals which is going to happen in the near future the airport would be stuck again. It amazes me the slow pace the airport management think.

As I posted earlier, there were several empty stands at the Eastern end, but they are a long way from the terminal so create problems loading and unloading. Ryanair dont use stands down there, and the issue today, such as it was, was caused by 6 Ryanair's on the ground together, taking up most of the stands near the terminal. The delay getting to stand for one 737 MAX was about 10 minutes.

There are economies of scale building all the new stands in one go so that would be cheaper overall, but hugely expensive to do, and extremely disruptive. I'm not even sure they could build 10 in one winter season and doing it in summer is a non starter. Ultimately though, paying for 10 stands on top of terminal works is almost certainly beyond LBAs financial means. Remember that this money has to be borrowed, interest paid, and the bank convinced that loaning the money is a safe bet for them and affordable for LBA.

We saw in 2020 how the unexpected can destroy the airports finances. (COVID). And in 2010 (Icelandic Volcano). And in 2001 (Twin Towers). It would be financial suicide for the airport to borrow so much money and build stands in advance, especially if/when the next unexpected event messes up aviation.

They should, in my opinion, spread the cost by building 2 to 4 stands each year over the next 3 years so we have all 10 by 2027/8, but then there's the runway resurfacing to come too, which is huge job too. Which comes first? I guess we will have to wait to find out.

 

[EX9]

Don’t get me wrong I know 2x new stands will be built this winter. I honestly just feel they haven’t learnt from last summers problems and these new stands should have been given priority and built last winter.
Looking at the departure boards it’s has caused quite a few delayed departures this afternoon and it’s only getting busier, so it could get even worse before we get to peak summer 24 season.

There were many aircraft subject to departure slots that is out of the airport and airlines control. This only exacerbates the stand issue but its not openly obvious as the actual delay reasons are not openly available.

 

[LBAYORKIE]

As I posted earlier, there were several empty stands at the Eastern end, but they are a long way from the terminal so create problems loading and unloading. Ryanair dont use stands down there, and the issue today, such as it was, was caused by 6 Ryanair's on the ground together, taking up most of the stands near the terminal. The delay getting to stand for one 737 MAX was about 10 minutes.

There are economies of scale building all the new stands in one go so that would be cheaper overall, but hugely expensive to do, and extremely disruptive. I'm not even sure they could build 10 in one winter season and doing it in summer is a non starter. Ultimately though, paying for 10 stands on top of terminal works is almost certainly beyond LBAs financial means. Remember that this money has to be borrowed, interest paid, and the bank convinced that loaning the money is a safe bet for them and affordable for LBA.

We saw in 2020 how the unexpected can destroy the airports finances. (COVID). And in 2010 (Icelandic Volcano). And in 2001 (Twin Towers). It would be financial suicide for the airport to borrow so much money and build stands in advance, especially if/when the next unexpected event messes up aviation.

They should, in my opinion, spread the cost by building 2 to 4 stands each year over the next 3 years so we have all 10 by 2027/8, but then there's the runway resurfacing to come too, which is huge job too. Which comes first? I guess we will have to wait to find out.

So if Ryanair get the best stands, that leaves other airlines with a high proportion of sub- optimal ones. I can see Jet2 may be ok with that as they have longer turnarounds but Wizz wouldnt be too happy.

I think building a couple of stands a year is a good idea. Even though the airlines may be unhappy about the shortage of stands right now the promise of more starting next year should keep them content.

 

[White Heather]

So if Ryanair get the best stands, that leaves other airlines with a high proportion of sub- optimal ones. I can see Jet2 may be ok with that as they have longer turnarounds but Wizz wouldnt be too happy.

I think building a couple of stands a year is a good idea. Even though the airlines may be unhappy about the shortage of stands right now the promise of more starting next year should keep them content.

Wizz weren't there though. Their Bucharest arrival was at tea time after all but one or two aircraft had left and they had their choice of stands. I think it went on stand 8. At the time we had an A319, A320 and A321 parked up together .

 

[LBAYORKIE]

Wizz weren't there though. Their Bucharest arrival was at tea time after all but one or two aircraft had left and they had their choice of stands. I think it went on stand 8. At the time we had an A319, A320 and A321 parked up together .

If congestion is limited to times when Wizz arent here that wont be an issue of course. Im hoping that congestion is limited to Saturday afternoons - as it was last year.

 

[Aviador]

Congestion at LBA isn't something new. It's over a decade since I left LBA and there were times back then when aircraft had to hold on taxiway November waiting for space on the ramp. Needless to say, if it's becoming more of a problem now then it will need to be addressed.

 

[White Heather]

Congestion at LBA isn't something new. It's over a decade since I left LBA and there were times back then when aircraft had to hold on taxiway November waiting for space on the ramp. Needless to say, if it's becoming more of a problem now then it will need to be addressed.

It's certainly a problem and does need to be addressed in some way, especially if there are remote stands vacant but not being used yet flights are being held up waiting for a stand. That said, yesterday's delay for the Ryanair MAX was minimal - 10 minutes in the loop, out of the way while several aircraft pushed back and a couple landed, so no big deal. If it gets worse they need to be able to use all the remote stands which means plenty of buses and drivers .

 

[twevsmiff]

The airport is currently closed due to a "significant repair" needed somewhere near the Delta intersection. TUi just entering hold and preparingto divert to Manchester after being informed of the runway runway beingclosed for up to 2 hours at initial estimate. Jet2 which was at holding point Delta when a Ryanair 737 departed noticed a movement in the runway surfacr as it took of. The Jet 2 was offered a take off from Delta Intersection butcould not accept so returned to stand.

Latest - Tui divertingto EastMidlands as Manchester unable to accept

 

[BCFC]

The airport is currently closed due to a "significant repair" needed somewhere near the Delta intersection. TUi just entering hold and preparingto divert to Manchester after being informed of the runway runway beingclosed for up to 2 hours at initial estimate. Jet2 which was at holding point Delta when a Ryanair 737 departed noticed a movement in the runway surfacr as it took of. The Jet 2 was offered a take off from Delta Intersection butcould not accept so returned to stand.

Latest - Tui divertingto EastMidlands as Manchester unable to accept

View attachment 30938

 

[LBAYORKIE]

View attachment 30938

'No earlier than' I think airlines might be well advised to coach the pax tbe airports the flights have diverted to. The closure seems a little open ended.

 

[Bob O'JOb]

Shambles of an airport.

 

[JRP]

This will cost the airport a fortune I guess with airlines claiming back for coaches etc
What we need is a second runway built just to annoy the group we don’t name

 

[LBA4EVER]

'No earlier than' I think airlines might be well advised to coach the pax tbe airports the flights have diverted to. The closure seems a little open ended.

Structural damage to the runway observed whilst an aircraft on takeoff and these out the blue sneaky night closures due to runway repairs is a little concerning, im getting the feeling possibly large sections of the runway are maybe not upto required standards? Do the two relate or maybe even night work thats not been completed correctly.
What an airport! Haha

 

[LBAYORKIE]

Structural damage to the runway observed whilst an aircraft on takeoff and these out the blue sneaky night closures due to runway repairs is a little concerning, im getting the feeling possibly large sections of the runway are maybe not upto required standards? Do the two relate or maybe even night work thats not been completed correctly.
What an airport! Haha

They may be linked but sometimes things happen outside of the maintennance plan - at all airports.

 

[White Heather]

Shambles of an airport.

But it is an airport! Unlike yours.

 

[mdobuk21]

Some ridiculous comments about this. Nobody knows the full extent of what the issue is. These things happen at all airports/bases from time to time. Brize Norton was closed a number of times last year due to the runway melting.

 

[Aviador]

I think it wasn't too long ago Newcastle was shut for something similar.

 

[northsouth]

Don’t forget the chaos at Manchester 3 weeks ago

 

[Aviador]

So can anyone confirm if work has or is being undertaken currently?

I do get the feeling the major runway work may need to be brought forward because they can't have this keep happening. I know the odd patch up is needed on all runways but not usually major repairs midway through the summer season.