Grand Canyon National Airport Set for Major Runway Rehabilitation in Summer 2025
A $13 million infrastructure upgrade is coming to the Grand Canyon National Airport (GCN), with a major runway rehabilitation project set to begin this summer. The initiative aims to improve safety, extend the life of the runway, and bring the airport’s infrastructure up to modern standards — all while navigating a tightly scheduled construction window to minimize disruption.
Why the Project is Needed
GCN’s sole runway (designated 3/21) has seen significant wear over the years due to heavy use and harsh environmental conditions. Cracked pavement and outdated configurations have made a full overhaul necessary to meet current FAA safety and operational standards.
The rehabilitation will include a full-width 3-inch mill and overlay of the runway’s surface — a critical step in restoring its structural integrity. But that’s not all. The project also includes:
- Reconfiguring taxiway intersections P, A, and B to eliminate an FAA-identified hotspot
- Updating airfield signage to align with current FAA nomenclature
- Modifying aircraft parking apron markings, including repainting the green no-taxi island
Importantly, this project will not change the runway’s length or width — it’s all about upgrading what already exists.
Construction Timeline & Airport Closures
To ensure proper asphalt curing and optimal construction conditions, all work must take place during the warmer summer months. Here’s what travelers and pilots should expect:
Nightly Closures Begin June 30 (Tentative)
To prepare for full-scale construction, GCN will begin nightly runway closures (five nights per week) starting June 30. These closures will support pre-construction work and will continue until the full closure begins.
Full Airport Closure: July 14 – August 10
From July 14 through August 10, the airport will undergo a complete 24/7 closure to fixed-wing aircraft, with helicopter operations continuing from the ramp. This 28-day window will allow Phase 1 of the rehabilitation to be completed safely and efficiently.
Runway Reopens August 11
The airport is scheduled to reopen on August 11, weather permitting.
Phase 2 Construction: Sept. 10 – Sept. 29
Following a 30-day curing period, Phase 2 will begin in mid-September, involving final runway markings and touch-ups — again requiring nightly closures but no full shutdown.
Project Timeline Snapshot
| Phase | Date Range | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Design & Planning | Completed | ✅ Done |
| Bid Process | Completed | ✅ Done |
| Pre-Construction Work | March–July 2025 (starts June 30) | ⚠️ Night closures begin |
| Phase 1: Full Closure | July 14–August 10 | ⛔ Runway closed 24/7 |
| Reopening | August 11 | ✅ Scheduled to reopen |
| Phase 2: Markings Completion | September 10–29 | ⚠️ Nightly closures resume |
| Tentative Completion | October 2025 | 🎯 Final wrap-up |
Stay Informed
Project schedules may shift slightly due to weather, logistics, or grant processing, so travelers and aviation operators are encouraged to check for updates as construction approaches.
This investment in GCN’s infrastructure underscores a long-term commitment to safety, operational excellence, and reliable air access to one of the most iconic destinations in the world — the Grand Canyon.
