Share
Search
  • Home
  • Airplane noise
Thursday, April 18, 2024

DFW Airport Announces Two Runway Closures in April

UPDATE 4/27/2018: Dallas Fort Worth International Airport has let us know that workers have finished its latest runway construction project three days ahead of schedule. Flights are now taking off on the normal 18L/36R north/south runway.

DFW Airport has notified the City of Southlake about two runway projects that could affect air traffic in Southlake. One is the weekend closure of Runway 17R/35L from Friday, April 13 through Sunday, April 15, and the second closure is the partial closure of Runway 18R/36L starting Monday, April 16 through Monday, April 30. The following information is from the airport.

Runway 17R/35L Closure:

DFW is planning the weekend closure of Runway 17R/35L from Friday, April 13 at 10:00 p.m. through Sunday, April 15 at 4:00 p.m. This is to accommodate installation of electrical duct banks within the runway safety area.

What to Expect:

On Friday night through Sunday, there is the potential for conditions where winds are westerly or northwesterly (West Flow) at 15 to 20 mph with gusts as high as 30 mph, such that the diagonal Runways 13R/31L and 13L/31R may be needed for arrivals and/or departures.  The shift in aircraft operations during these weather conditions may affect the cities of Southlake, Grapevine, Trophy Club, Westlake, Coppell and Irving, which could experience some additional aircraft traffic.

In general, because aircraft take off and land into the wind when winds are southerly aircraft take off to the south and land from north to south.  When winds are northerly, aircraft take off to the north (or northwest in the case of the use of Runway 31L) and land from south to north.  Keep in mind that surface winds don’t always dictate flow as winds above the surface and/or operational needs can affect the direction which aircraft take-off and land.

Runway 17R/35L is the primary departure runway on DFW’s east side.  During its closure:

  • North Flow:  When the winds are out of the north or are light/variable:
    • Departures will shift to Runway 35C, which is DFW’s primary arrival runway on the east side.
    • Some departures may shift to the west side of the airport
    • Arrivals will shift from Runway 35C to Runways 35R and 31R on DFW’s east side and Runway 36L on DFW’s west side.
  • South Flow:  When the winds are out of the south:
    • Departures will shift to Runway 17C, which is DFW’s primary arrival runway on the east side.
    • Some departures may shift to the west side of the airport
    • Arrivals will shift from Runway 17C to Runways 13R on DFW’s west side and 17L on DFW’s east side.
  • The use of the outboard runways (diagonal runways and Runway 17L/35R) may be extended at night to 11 p.m.
  • The shift in aircraft operations to other runways during the closure may primarily affect the cities of Coppell, Irving, and Lewisville. Flower Mound, Southlake, Grapevine, Trophy Club, Westlake, Euless, and Arlington could also experience some additional aircraft traffic.
  • The graphic below provides a visual as to how air traffic will be redistributed during the closure.
Air Traffic Redistribution of Traffic During Closure

Air Traffic Redistribution of Traffic During Runway 17R/35L Closure

Runway 18R/36L Partial Closure

Subsequently, DFW is planning the partial closure of Runway 18R/36L from April 16 at 6:00 a.m. until Monday, April 30 at 6:00 a.m.  The partial closure is necessary to accommodate work on the runway involving urgent asphalt shoulder replacement on the south end of Runway 18R/36L.  In preparation, DFW plans to close the runway overnight beginning at 11:00 p.m. on April 15.  The runway will reopen on Monday, April 16 at 6:00 a.m. with the southern-most portion closed for the repairs.

The runway will be available for use during the partial closure as follows:

  • South winds:  Runway 18R will be available for landings.
  • North winds:  The runway will be closed to arrivals.  Arrivals will shift to the departure runway, Runway 36R, requiring departures to shift to Runway 31L.
  • The runway will be closed at night and during periods of reduced visibility.
  • The runway will reopen to full length on April 30 at 6:00 a.m.

What to Expect:

The weather forecast is not known for the closure period.  In general, because aircraft take off and land into the wind when winds are southerly aircraft take off to the south and land from north to south.  When winds are northerly, aircraft take off to the north (or northwest in the case of the use of Runway 31L) and land from south to north.  Keep in mind that surface winds don’t always dictate flow as winds above the surface and/or operational needs can affect the direction which aircraft take-off and land.

Runway 18R/36L is the primary arrival runway on DFW’s west side.  During its closure:

  • North Flow:  When the winds are out of the north or are light/variable:
    • Arrivals will shift from Runway 36L (arrival runway) to Runway 36R (departure runway) on the west side.
    • Departures will shift to Runway 31L
    • Some departures may shift to the east side of the airport
    • Increased arrivals Runway 31R and 35R on the east side;
  • South Flow:  When the winds are out of the south:
    • Little to no change in operations
    •  Runway 18R will still be available for aircraft arrivals.
  • The use of the outboard runways (diagonal runways and Runway 17L/35R) may be extended at night to 11:00 p.m.
  • The shifts in aircraft operations to other runways during the closure may primarily affect the cities of Southlake, Grapevine, Trophy Club, Westlake and Flower Mound.  Lewisville, Coppell, Irving, Euless and Arlington could also experience some additional aircraft traffic.
  • The graphic below provides a visual as to how air traffic will be redistributed during the closure.
Air Traffic Redistribution During Partial Closure of Runway 18R/36L

Air Traffic Redistribution During Partial Closure of Runway 18R/36L

DFW Airport encourages citizens with inquiries or complaints to contact them.  You may contact them by email at dfwnoise@dfwairport.com, or on the Noise Complaint Hotline, at 972-973-3192 (manned 24/7).  Follow-up response calls or emails will be provided when requested.

DFW Airport Runway Status Light Installation Update: Extension of Partial Closure and American Airlines Flex Schedule

This is an update on DFW’s Runway Status Light Installation Program.  In short, the weekend closure of Runway 18L/36R was cancelled due to the construction being ahead of schedule.  However, due to issues with the concrete installation at the south end of Runway 18L/36R, the scheduled partial closure will be extended through Thursday, June 29.  Additionally, American Airlines will be flying its Flex Schedule on select days during the summer, including this Sunday, June 25.   More information on each of these topics is noted below.

Schedule Partial South Closure (RWSL Installation:

As DFW Airport continues with the runway closures necessary for FAA’s ongoing installation of the Runway Status Lights (RWSL), for your awareness, the weekend full closure initially scheduled for this weekend will be cancelled due to construction being ahead of schedule.  However, due to issues with the concrete installation at south end of Runway 18L/36R, the scheduled partial closure, which was scheduled to be completed on June 25, will be extended through Thursday, June 29 to continue ongoing work of FAA’s installation of Runway Status Lights (RWSL).

What to Expect:  During the remainder of the partial closure, Friday weather forecasts show winds coming from the south at 5 – 10 mph, with potential thunderstorms Friday night/Saturdaymorning and gusts as high as 20 mph.  Winds will shift to the north on Saturday and remain from the northerly and easterly, with winds at 5 – 10 mph.  Light easterly winds will persist through Thursday.  In general, because aircraft take off and land into the wind, when winds are southerly aircraft take off to the south and land from north to south.  When winds are northerly, aircraft take off to the north (or northwest in the case of the use of Runway 31L) and land from south to north.  When surface winds are light and variable, takeoff and landing flow may be affected by winds above the surface and/or other operational needs.

The shifts in aircraft operations to other runways during the closure may affect the cities of Southlake, Grapevine, Trophy Club, Westlake, Flower Mound, Lewisville, Coppell, Irving, Euless and Arlington, which could experience some additional aircraft traffic, including:

  • Jet departures on Runway 31L during north winds;
  • Increased arrivals Runway 31R and 35R during north winds;
  • Increased arrivals to Runway 17L and 13R during south winds;
  • Outboard runways will be needed later at night or early in the morning;
  • During the partial south closures of Runway 18L/36R, the runway will be available for day time only limited takeoffs and landings, as determined by the wind flow.

June 12 – June 29 [Partial South Closure of Runway 18L/36R]

  • During the partial south closures of Runway 18L/36R, the runway will be available for day time only limited takeoffs and landings, as determined by the wind flow.
  • The runway will be closed after sunset and before sunriseas well as during any poor weather or low clouds (due to limited visibility of construction zone).
  • If the winds are out of the north, jet aircraft may need to depart Runway 31L.
  • The use of the outboard runways (diagonal runways and Runway 17L/35R) may be extended at night to 11pm.
  • For more information on the Runway Status Lights Program, refer to DFW’s website.
Map of DFW Operations During 18L/36R Partial South Closure

This information has been sent from the DFW Airport.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Summer Flex Schedule:

Additionally, American Airlines flight schedule will include scheduled flex days in order to keep up with upcoming schedules.  The 7 days that are scheduled for Flex Flying are as follows:

  • Sunday, June 25,
  • Friday, June 30,
  • Sunday, July 9,
  • Sunday, July 16,
  • Sunday, July 23,
  • Sunday, July 30,
  • Sunday, August 6

What to Expect:  During the Flex Days, additional flights are scheduled late at night to accommodate greater numbers of the traveling public.  These additional operations will entail extended use of DFW’s runway, including the outboard runways.  Operations on the outboard runways are expected to extend later than normal and could be as late as 1:00 AM Monday morning.

The DFW Airport encourage citizens with inquiries or complaints to contact them.  You may contact them by email at dfwnoise@dfwairport.com, or on the Noise Complaint Hotline, at 972-973-3192 (manned 24/7).  Follow-up response calls or emails will be provided, when requested.

Closure of Runway 18R/36L from June 16-18

As DFW Airport continues with the runway closures necessary for FAA’s ongoing installation of the Runway Status Lights (RWSL), the DFW Airport would like to bring awareness regarding the upcoming full closure of Runway 18L/36R and FAA’s progress on the installation of Runway Status Lights.  Runway 18R/36L, DFW’s primary arrival runway, will be closed from Friday, June 16 at 11:00 PM through Sunday, June 18 at 4:00 PM, weather permitting, to accommodate the FAA’s ongoing installation work.

Immediately following will continue the scheduled partial south closure of Runway 18L/36R from Sunday, June 18 through Sunday, June 25 for FAA’s ongoing installation of Runway Status Lights (RWSL).

What to Expect:

The weather forecast for the weekend closure are expected to be south at 10 to 15 mph with gusts as high as 20 mph.  The weather forecast is not known for the entire partial closure period.  In general, because aircraft take off and land into the wind, when winds are southerly aircraft take off to the south and land from north to south.  When winds are northerly, aircraft take off to the north (or northwest in the case of the use of Runway 31L) and land from south to north.  Keep in mind that surface winds don’t always dictate flow as winds above the surface and/or operational needs can affect the direction for which aircraft take off and land.

The shifts in aircraft operations to other runways during the closure may affect the cities of Coppell, Irving, Grapevine, Flower Mound, Lewisville, Euless, Southlake, and Arlington, which could experience some additional aircraft traffic, including:

  • Increased arrivals to Runway 17L and 13R during south winds;
  • Jet departures on Runway 31L during north winds;
  • Increased arrivals Runway 31R and 35R during north winds;
  • Outboard runways will be needed later at night or early in the morning;
  • During the partial south closures of Runway 18L/36R, the runway will be available for day time only limited takeoffs and landings, as determined by the wind flow.

Remaining Weekend Closures for the RWSL installation are June 9-12; June 16-18; and June 24-25 [Closures of Runway 18L/36R]

Runway 18L/36R is the primary departure runway on the west side.  During its closure:

  • South Flow:  When the winds are out of the south:
    •    Departures will shift to Runway 18R
    • Arrivals will shift to Runways 13R on DFW’s west side and 17L on DFW’s east side
  • North Flow:  When the winds are out of the north or are light/variable:
    • Runway 36L will be the used for arrivals
    • Runway 31L will be the primary departure runway on the west side.
    • Arrivals also shift to Runways 35R and 31R on DFW’s east side.
  • The use of the outboard runways (diagonal runways and Runway 17L/35R) may be extended at night to 11pm.

Keep in mind that surface winds don’t always dictate flow as winds above the surface and/or operational needs can affect the direction for which aircraft take off and land.

The graphics below depict these closures and their effects on runway utilization:

Map of DFW Operations During Full 18L/36R Closure

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 12 – June 25 [Partial South Closure of Runway 18L/36R]

  • During the partial south closures of Runway 18L/36R, the runway will be available for day time only limited takeoffs and landings, as determined by the wind flow.
  • The runway will be closed after sunset and before sunriseas well as during any poor weather or low clouds (due to limited visibility of construction zone).
  • If the winds are out of the north, jet aircraft may need to depart Runway 31L.
  • The use of the outboard runways (diagonal runways and Runway 17L/35R) may be extended at night to 11:00 PM
    Map of DFW Operations During 18L/36R Partial South Closure

    This map was provided by the DFW Airport.

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Runway Status Lights:

Runway Status Lights (RWSL) is a fully automatic, advisory safety system designed to reduce the number and severity of runway incursions and prevent runway accidents while not interfering with airport operations.  It is an in-pavement lighting system that works similar to a traffic light which provides a visual signal to pilots and vehicle operators of when it is unsafe to enter/cross or begin takeoff on runway. The system aims to improve air crew and vehicle operator situational awareness through accurate and timely indication of runway usage.  For further information, please see the link to the FAA’s website.

The DFW Airport encourage citizens with inquiries or complaints to contact them.  You may contact them by email at dfwnoise@dfwairport.com, or on the Noise Complaint Hotline, at 972-973-3192 (manned 24/7).  Follow-up response calls or emails will be provided, when requested.

Runway 18L/36R to be Closed May 12-13

DFW plans to fully close its primary departure Runway 18L/36R from Friday, May 12th at 11pm to Saturday, May 13th at 4pm, weather permitting, to accommodate the FAA’s ongoing installation work.

What to Expect:

The shifts in operations may affect the cities of Southlake, Grapevine, Flower Mound, Lewisville, Coppell, Irving, Euless and Arlington, which could experience some additional aircraft traffic, including:

  • Jet departures on Runway 31L during north winds (anticipated);
  • Increased arrivals Runway 31R and 35R during north winds (anticipated);
  • Increased arrivals to Runway 17L and 13R during south winds;
  • Outboard runways will be needed later at night or early in the morning.

Weather forecast:

  • The wind forecast for Friday to Saturday are expected to be north at 15-20 mph gusting as high as 25 mph, shifting to calm by Saturday afternoon.
    • FAA will require the departure usage of Runway 31L by jets on DFW’s west side and arrival usage of Runways 35R and 31R on DFW’s east side.

March 25-26; April 1-3; April 14-16; April 21-24; May 3-7; May 12-13; May 20-21; June 3-4; June 10-11; June 17-18; and June 24-25 [Weekend Full Closures of Runway 18L/36R]

  • Runway 18L/36R is the primary departure runway on the west side.  During its closure:
    • While the winds are out of the north, Runway 36L will be the used for arrivals and Runway 31L will be the primary departure runway on the west side.
    • While the winds are out of the south, departures will shift to Runway 18R and arrivals will shift to Runways 17L and 13R.
    • The use of the outboard runways (diagonal runways and Runway 17L/35R) will likely be extended at night to 11pm.

The graphics below depict the closures and their effects of the runway utilization:

DFW Operations during Full 18L/36R Closure

The DFW Airport encourage citizens with inquiries or complaints to contact them.  You may contact them by email at dfwnoise@dfwairport.com, or on the Noise Complaint Hotline, at 972-973-3192 (manned 24/7).  Follow-up response calls or emails will be provided, when requested.

Multiple Runway Closures, Friday July 8th- Sunday July 10th

The City of Southlake has been informed from the DFW Airport of multiple runway closures this weekend, starting from Friday July 8th until Sunday July 10th.

There will be closures, one at a time, of runways 13R/31L, 13L/31R, 18R/36L, and 18L/36R in order to support DFW efforts to conduct pavement condition assessments for each of its runways. These assessments are conducted periodically to determine the structure soundness of the runway pavement which is essential to long term maintenance and rehabilitation schedules for the airfield.  During the closure, the FAA must necessarily move aircrafts that would have used the closed runway to other available runways.  The planned closure schedule is as follows:

  • Runway 13R/31L (west diagonal) is planned to be closed Friday July 8th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
  • Runway 13L/31R (east diagonal) is planned to be closed Friday July 8th from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
  • Runway 18R/36L is planned to be closed Saturday July 9th from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm.
  • Runway 18L/36R is planned to be closed Sunday, July 10th from 10:00 am to 2:00pm.
  • The weekend of July 29th through July 31st is the alternate weekend if needed to complete the work. Additional notifications will be provided if this weekend will include any runway closures.

The winds are forecast to be from the south at 10 to 15 mph with gusts as high as 25 mph for much of the period. More information about the Airport’s planned runway work is available on DFW’s website at the dfwairport.com link: https://www.dfwairport.com/aircraftnoise/index.php. The DFW Airport encourages citizens with inquiries or complaints to contact them.  The web address for the Noise Office is dfwnoise@dfwairport.com.  The telephone Hotline, 972-973-3192, is manned 24/7.  Follow-up response calls or emails will be provided when requested.

DFW Airport Maintenance Causes Runway Closure

Runway maintenance will take place at DFW Airport this weekend (4/1-4/2).  The DFW Airport Noise Office has provided the following information.

DFW Airport is planning a necessary maintenance closure of Runway 17C/35C from approximately 9PM on Friday, April 1st, until about 6AM on Saturday, April 2nd. North winds of 6 to 18mph are forecast for the entire period.

It is possible, though unlikely, that the diagonal runways will be used for departures/arrivals during the maintenance period. This closure is to continue support of several maintenance activities including pavement repairs and runway marking replacement within the runway environment.

More information about the Airport’s planned runway work is available on DFW’s website at the dfwairport.com link: http://www.dfwairport.com/inthecommunity/aircraft_noise.php. We encourage citizens with inquiries or complaints to contact us. The web address for the Noise Office is dfwnoise@dfwairport.com. The telephone Hotline, 972-973-3192, is manned 24/7. Follow-up response calls or emails will be provided when requested.

Forecast of High Winds May Cause Increased Aircraft Noise on Saturday, January 3

DFW_airpot-300x300The City of Southlake has received the following from DFW Airport Noise Office:

The National Weather Service currently forecasts west winds with gusts as high as 21mph for Saturday at 2-3PM, diminishing shortly thereafter.  It is possible that the  FAA will need to use Runway 13R/31L, the west diagonal runway, for jet departures if the winds are as high or higher than forecast.

More information about DFW’s scheduled runway maintenance closures can be found on the DFWAirport.com link: http://www.dfwairport.com/inthecommunity/aircraft_noise.php.

Citizens with inquiries or complaints are encouraged to contact the DFW Airport’s Noise office by email at DFWNoise@DFWAirport.com or call the 24-hour telephone hotline at 972-973-3192.

DFW Airport Announces Weekend Closure of Runway 18R/36L

DFW_airpot-300x300The City of Southlake has received the following information from the DFW Noise Compatibility Office: 

DFW plans to close Runway 18R/36L at 10:45PM, Friday, 14 November, through 4PM, Sunday, 16 November. This period will be used to perform scheduled maintenance projects such as upgrades to runway lighting and signage, FAA electrical and airfield systems maintenance and construction, pavement repair and other necessary maintenance activities.   Aircraft that would have used the runway during the closure period will be dispersed among the operational runways.

The National Weather Service currently forecasts north winds for this weekend from about 7AM Saturday 15 November through and beyond 4PM Sunday when Runway 18R/36L will reopen.  Depending upon air traffic requirements it is possible that the FAA will need to use Runway 13R/31L, the west diagonal runway, for jet departures.

More information about the Airport’s planned runway work can be found on DFWAirport.com.

We encourage citizens with inquiries or complaints to contact us. The telephone Hotline, 972-973-3192, is manned 24/7. The email address for the Noise Office is dfwnoise@dfwairport.com. Follow-up response calls and emails will be provided when requested.

DFW Airport Announces Weekend Closure of Runway 18L/36R

DFW_airpot-300x300The City of Southlake has received the following information from the DFW Noise Compatibility Office:

DFW plans to close Runway 18L/36R at 10:45PM, Friday, 7 November, through 4PM, Sunday, 9 November. This period will be used to perform scheduled maintenance projects such as upgrades to runway lighting, FAA airfield systems construction, pavement repair and other necessary repair, upgrade and maintenance activities.   Aircraft that would have used the runway during the closure period will be dispersed among the operational runways.

The National Weather Service currently forecasts north winds for this weekend from about 7AM through midnight Saturday.  Depending upon air traffic requirements it is possible that the FAA will need to use Runway 13R/31L, the west diagonal runway, for jet departures.

More information about the Airport’s planned runway work can be found on DFWAirport.com.

We encourage citizens with inquiries or complaints to contact us. The telephone Hotline, 972-973-3192, is manned 24/7. The email address for the Noise Office is dfwnoise@dfwairport.com. Follow-up response calls and emails will be provided when requested.