Naples Municipal Airport expects its main runway–5/23, closed since the end of July–to reopen later this month, just in time for the Thanksgiving rush, after a $3.6 million paving project (paid for entirely by the city of Naples airport authority), which saw the runway’s declared takeoff distance increased from 5,000 to 5,800 feet. By paving the safety areas at both ends of the runway, the airport expects it will mitigate noise by allowing aircraft will reach higher altitudes before leaving the airport property, thus reducing noise under the flight path–one of its key priorities.
While the landing distance on the runway will remain unchanged as result of the project, the airport authority said the additional runway length will improve safety by providing more room for aborted takeoffs and other emergencies as well as possibly attracting regional commercial service. The airport also added U.S. Customs and Immigration services in a dedicated building at the end of last year.
