Remember last year when we warned you about an upcoming project that would make JFK's longest and busiest runway (13R-31L), known as the Bay Runway, unusable for 4 months? That time is almost here! The much-needed makeover (underway come March) will widen and make the runway more durable — it has, after all, been around since 1948.
Prior to losing their busiest runway, the NY Times points out that the airport already suffers too many delays (1 in 5 flights last year departed late) and is ranked on the bottom third of the nation's airports.
What does this mean for you, the traveler? There will be fewer flights departing on airlines like Delta and JetBlue; and while the overall goal is to reduce delays, during the months of construction more are obviously to be expected. The paper also points out that high winds could create serious airport-wide delays with the runway out of commission. Officials at the airport insist there's nothing to worry about, however, the chief operating officer at JetBlue says, “On a couple of days in that four-month period, JFK would only be able to utilize one runway for all arrivals and departures. Those will be very difficult days for everybody at the airport.”
It is unclear at this time how the runway renovation will effect the turtles, dogs, jackrabbits and other assorted animals that flock to the tarmacs.
