RAF Northolt’s runway has closed for six months, as planned, so that resurfacing work can take place.
The work will upgrade the existing runway, improve drainage and instal new arrestor beds to improve safety and extend the life of the runway by at least 15 years.
The £23m contract was awarded to Lagan Aviation & Infrastructure in October.
RAF Northolt is the last remaining military airfield inside the M25.
Typical operations include transport for UK military and government leaders, medical evacuations, and support to exercises and operations across the globe, such as in West Africa during the Ebola epidemic in 2015.
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The unit often receives aircraft from the Fleet Air Arm, Army Air Corps and Royal Air Force fleets, from helicopters to the larger A400 and C17 transport aircraft.
Though fixed-wing operations will cease for the resurfacing period and operate from other airfields, helicopter operations will continue.
When resurfacing is complete, operations and civil flights will continue at the present levels.
RAF Northolt is home to units from all three armed services, the British Forces Post Office, two RAF bands, the MoD’s Aeronautical Information Documents Unit and The Queen’s Colour Squadron.
Resurfacing, which should be completed by the autumn, will not affect their work.
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