100 vehicles are working at the scene around the clock, while an additional 300 lorries help bring the necessary materials to Findel airport. Layer for layer is systematically replaced on the tarmac, while a new waste water system is installed, and 1,500 LED lights are being replaced.
Tom Goris, who runs the administrative process, explained: "We hired experts to conduct the restoration and also made sure that there are enough people to replace those who may become sick or otherwise incapable of working. Between 700 and 800 people are on hold."
Most airports tend to reorganise their departure and landing flights while restoring a runway, or even fall back on closing parts of it altogether. Officials at Findel wanted to avoid this at all costs: "We conduct all of our work between 11 p.m. and 6.00 a.m., so that nothing gets in the way of flight travel."
Lux-Airport CEO René Steinhaus also commented on the undertaking: "We make daily preparations to make sure that no flights are delayed because of the construction work. This means that we continuously communicate with airlines travelling to and from Luxembourg. Naturally, we don't expect that to happen flawlessly at all times. In summer, for instance, the frequency of planes will go up and we might run into trouble at that point. But we will inform people well ahead of time should delays arise."
Costs for the restoration are estimated to be €150 million. Construction work has been underway for three weeks and will presumably last until the end of 2022.
