After three months of extensive renovations, one of the runways at Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL) has partially reopened, marking a significant milestone in the airport's commitment to enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
Runway 13L/31R was closed in August to undergo critical safety improvements, including new grading and a modern drainage system along Taxiway A.
The runway resumed limited operations on Monday, allowing smaller aircraft with wingspans under 79 feet to utilize the newly improved space, according to local news outlet WFAA. Meanwhile, larger commercial aircraft continued to operate from Runway 13R/31L during this interim period.
By Wednesday night, following a thorough Federal Aviation Administration inspection and successful remediation of remaining safety concerns, Runway 13L/31R was approved for full operations without any restrictions.
"After receiving reports from the airport's airside operations and the FAA, the project's contractor successfully addressed the remaining safety concern, and the runway was approved for full aircraft operations without restrictions on Wednesday night," a statement on Love Field's website said.
The enhancements to Runway 13L/31R are part of a broader initiative aimed at correcting deficiencies in the runway safety area (RSA) and improving infrastructure throughout the airport.
This includes full RSA grading, installation of new drainage systems, and rehabilitation of existing taxiway pavement.
Runways 13L/31R were initially constructed in the 1960s, 2,363 m / 7,752 ft in length, slightly shorter than the other runway, 13R/31L.
Love Field Airport said in its project description that Runway 13L/31R is served by a full-length parallel Taxiway A, as well as dual parallel Taxiway B and Taxiway M. However, the existing concrete on Taxiway A had begun to show significant wear due to age, necessitating a complete reconstruction.
The project also aims to address safety improvements within the runway safety area and at a known hot spot at the north end of Taxiway A.
Additionally, the construction of a vehicle service road (VSR) around the Runway 13L end will provide a permanent, paved route for maintenance vehicles, enhancing operational safety and efficiency.
The project underwent thorough study and approval by the FAA, the Department of Aviation, consultants, and airlines, including SMS and Safety Risk Analysis panels.
Dallas Love Field is the busiest medium-sized hub airport in the United States, averaging around 200 departures each day, according to Dallas Express. It accommodates more than 600,000 passengers each month flying on Southwest, Delta, and Alaska Airlines.
As of late last year, Southwest Airlines had control of 17 of the airport's 20 aircraft gates and is set to remain dominant for the years to come.
In October, Dallas Love Field received $13 million to improve the main terminal and enhance accessibility for passengers with disabilities, according to an announcement from FAA.
The grant will fund the reconstruction of the existing main terminal by reconfiguring interior walls, constructing one public-use escalator, and reconstructing 12 moving walkways.
Dallas Love Field won several awards in 20234 related to its 10-month project of improvements and upgrades to Taxiway C, in addition to awards for airport service quality, customer experience programs, and special events.
