A MAJOR UK airport will soon be upgrading its runway as part of its huge expansion plans.
Airport, which is ‘s largest airport, will undergo a massive transformation starting with its runway being resurfaced.
Edinburgh Airport will close one of its runways for five monthsCredit: Alamy
The 1.5 mile runway will be resurfaced which will reduce the number of delays at the airport.
In addition to the resurfacing, all 1,200 runway lights will be replaced as well and new weather sensors will be installed.
The £30million project will be the first on the runway in nearly two decades.
To carry out the work on the runway, it will be closed for five months overnight, beginning November 2.
During this period, flights will not take off or land on the runway between 11:45pm and 5:45am everyday except Fridays and Saturdays.
Thebetween December 18 and January 4 will also be an exception.
Most passengers won’t be affected, as airlines have been contacted by the airport to alter their schedules.
However, airport officials have expressed that this might result in flights being diverted.
For example, if an it will be diverted.
Yet some might not even be able to take off if they are scheduled to land later than planned.
Chief communications officer at airport, Gordon Robertson, said: “If they (aircraft) are very late, they’re either not flying or going to “.
He added to The Herald that airlines have had “lots of time to prepare”.
He said: “They will just have to manage, and there is a risk that we do have a lower overall demand.
“There is a risk we could lose some destinations or see significant reductions, but all we can do is give people lots of notice.”
Work on the runway is expected to take around five monthsCredit: Getty
Gordon Dewar, the interim COO, said: “This investment will completely resurface the runway, install new technology, and future proof the asset ahead of planned continued growth.
“It’s a significant investment in the airport infrastructure and is part of a record capital plan.”
Resurfacing the runway is part of Airport’s five-year expansion plan.
According to The Scotsman, the airport will add new aircraft stands and flight departure gates, as well as extending the terminal’s south-east pier.
And so far, spending on the project has increased from £52million last year to £80million.
Flight compensation rules
A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs.
What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?
Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.
If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.
You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.
So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.
But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.
When am I not entitled to compensation?
The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.
Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.
Some airlines may stretch the definition of “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?
If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.
Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.
Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.
If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.
In other travel news, a ahead of new Ryanair, easyJet and Jet2 flights.
Plus, the that want to take on ‘world’s best airport’ with sixth new terminal.
As a result, some travellers may experience delays or cancellationsCredit: Alamy 
