Runway 17 Closed Beginning September 7

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) Runway 17/35 will be closed for up to six weeks for runway safety area restoration work beginning next week on September 7, 2021. The runway safety area is the area adjacent to a runway that is prepared and suitable for reducing the risk of damage to airplanes in the event of an aircraft excursion from the runway. The safety area must be maintained so that it is clear of debris, drained and graded and able to support aircraft, snow removal equipment and aircraft rescue and firefighting operations. The specifications for a runway safety area exist to ensure proper drainage and prevent ponding water adjacent to the runway.  

The work for this project is intended to restore runway safety area slopes to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) specifications. To ensure the safety of the construction crews and aircraft, Runway 17-35 will be closed throughout the duration of the work.  

Aircraft operating at MSP will use Runways 12L/30R and 12R/30L while Runway 17/35 is closed. When one or more of the runways are closed, the arrivals and/or departures that would normally use that runway will be directed by air traffic control to use an open runway. You may also notice unusual lights, sounds, and equipment on the airfield. 

Runway use information and flight activity are available on the MAC FlightTracker.  Anyone with questions about runway closures may call the Community Relations Office at 612-726-9411.