Submitted
The City of Hays and the Hays Regional Airport have announced the construction project timeline for the Airport’s crosswind runway reconstruction.
This crucial construction project is set to begin soon with the closure of the crosswind runway for the duration of the project and will require the closure of the Airport’s primary runway from Aug. 3, through Aug. 23.
During those 21 days in August, allowable aircraft operations will be significantly limited at the Airport, including temporary suspension of SkyWest commercial air service.
The Airport has worked with SkyWest and United to ensure the dates are unavailable for booking to prevent confusion and the need for unnecessary rebooking changes for our traveling public.
The extensive reconstruction of the crosswind runway is a proactive measure designed to bring the Airport’s infrastructure into strict compliance with current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations.
By undertaking this project, the Airport will enhance airfield safety for all Airport users and the traveling public.
To reduce future disruptions to Airport operations, a portion of the taxiway that is showing significant signs of pavement deterioration will also be reconstructed during the project.
Beyond immediate regulatory compliance, the project has been designed to guarantee the long-term viability of the airfield.
Upgrading the crosswind runway ensures that the facility can accommodate the shifting dynamics of modern aviation, support the weight and operational requirements of newer aircraft fleets, and adapt to the future transportation needs of the region for the foreseeable future.
Crosswind runways are a critical safety component for regional airports, allowing pilots an alternative, safe approach and departure path when prevailing wind conditions make the primary runway hazardous or unusable.
“This infrastructure project is a vital investment in the future of aviation for Hays and the surrounding region,” said Hays Regional Airport Director Jamie Salter. “While we understand that the closure of both runways impacts our users and the temporary pause in commercial air service creates an inconvenience to our traveling public, this project ensures our Airport remains safe, resilient, and fully compliant to serve modern aircraft and our growing community for decades to come.”
During the construction period in August, heavy machinery and construction crews will be operating within the designated runway safety areas of the intersecting runways, necessitating the closure of the primary runway per FAA regulations so construction crews can safely complete construction in that area.
The project reflects a broader commitment by the City of Hays to maintain robust, reliable, and safe public infrastructure.
The Hays Regional Airport serves as a vital economic engine for Ellis County and the broader northwest Kansas region, facilitating corporate travel, tourism, and essential cargo transport.
The Airport secured grant funding for the majority of this project with the remaining local share to be funded through Airport user fees.
The timely execution of this runway reconstruction will prevent more costly and disruptive emergency repairs in the future, ultimately saving funding resources to be used for future projects while securing the region's connection to the national air transportation system.
Regular commercial flight schedules are projected to resume fully on the morning of Aug. 24, following required FAA special inspections and safety clearances.
For updates regarding the project timeline and further information on Airport operations, users, residents, and travelers are encouraged to visit FlyHays.com or follow the Hays Regional Airport on social media.