Operations by the largest business jets using Russia's Vnukovo airport in Moscow are likely to be affected by a runway closure for maintenance as early as October, but most flights will be maintained.
"We will have enough runway to maintain operations," says Igor Mudrik, manager of an operations company at Vnukovo. "Runway one will be completely closed for maintenance, but the other will be available up to the intersection, and it will be enough space for 90% of business jet operations."
In September Russia's transport minister Igor Levitin announced the possible closure of Vnukovo, the oldest of Moscow's four main airports, for one to three months for repairs.
Runway one (06/24) was last repaired in 1985, while runway two (02/20) was overhauled in October 2009.
Vnukovo's terminal three is the capital's largest dedicated business aviation facility.
No firm date has yet been set for the closure for repairs, which will need favourable weather. Media reports have suggested that the closure could be delayed until spring, but one business jet operator suggested an early start in October was more likely.
Source: Flight International
