Maintenance Work to Impact Summer Departures at Hannover Airport
Hannover Airport plans to temporarily close its southern runway from April 22 until June 27, 2025, to carry out scheduled maintenance work. For the duration of the repairs, all flights will operate exclusively via the northern runway. While airport services will continue as usual, the shift to a single runway is expected to limit capacity. Residents living near the northern side have been notified about a likely rise in air traffic and related noise.
The closure falls during the peak of spring and early summer travel, traditionally a time when both tourism and business travel increase. Due to the northern runway's exclusive responsibility for managing all traffic, passengers may encounter delays, longer wait times, and changes in flight schedules, particularly during peak travel hours. Airlines may need to revise timetables or reduce flight frequencies to adapt to limited runway access.
According to the airport, the maintenance is required to ensure long-term safety and dependability. Surface joint repairs, concrete inspection and renewal, electrical component maintenance, and runway marking updates will all be part of the work. Additionally, landing rubber residue will be removed to provide safe braking conditions. Complete closure is necessary for effective execution because these tasks cannot be completed while the runway is in use.
Further infrastructure upgrades are planned during the shutdown. These include installing drainage systems to manage de-icing fluid runoff and constructing a new service road along the southern runway. Travelers may not notice these enhancements right away, but they contribute to the airport's long-term sustainability and environmental requirements. Reduced operational capacity and more strain on the northern runway are the short-term consequences.
In this situation, staying ready is really the smartest move. Even though airlines usually let you know about changes, it’s still smart to check your flight details yourself, get to the airport early, and be ready in case there are delays. Although the runway closure is required for infrastructure repair, it may make travel arrangements more challenging. Travelers going to or from Hannover this season should plan beforehand and be adaptable in case of last-minute adjustments.