RAF Akrotiri officially opens refurbished runway

RAF Akrotiri is the most strategically important base that the RAF operates. Ramboll provided management, technical and financial services to the refurbishment project, which has taken a tired and battered runway and transformed it into a modern, safe, 21st Century facility, capable of supporting operations of British forces overseas for the next 20 years and beyond.

The formal opening ceremony took place last month and was hosted by the RAF Akrotiri Station Commander with presentations reporting the background to the works; the works programme, including all challenges encountered throughout the works; and thanks to the personnel involved in successfully delivering the project, under challenging conditions.

In attendance were the DIO Chief Executive; members of the DIO PPD project team; the Ramboll project team; Akrotiri Stakeholders; the Works Contractor and personnel from the Republic of Cyprus, including the Forces Minister, Embassy Personnel and local village Mukthar.

Although the occasion marked the official opening of the runway, the runway had in fact remained open and operational throughout the duration of the works. Operational requirements meant that the night time possession period was limited to a 7hr window.

The Ramboll team in Cyprus is currently managing a project portfolio of £120M for the British Forces in Cyprus, including an extension to the runway project, including the refurbishment of the Southern Loop Taxiway, 2 No Dispersals, Engine Running and Compass Swing Platforms.

Read more about the works to refurbish the airfield operating surface and airfield ground lighting.