CURRENT | AIRFIELD DRAINAGE

In June 2025, a CCTV inspection and drain clearing of the northern section of the airfield drainage system was completed. This review resulted in the development of a rectification plan identifying specific areas of the drainage network requiring repair, which are being undertaken.

The works include:

• Installation of patches to damaged pipes;
• Further cleaning and clearing of pipes;
• Additional investigation of potential damaged sections of the drainage network; and
• Removal and replacement of damaged pipes.

These works are scheduled to occur Monday to Friday, from 0700 to 1700 local time, until Monday 15 June. Should forecast weather conditions prohibit the works, activities will be rescheduled. As always, those impacted will be consulted during the preparation of works plans, and arrangements and timing of projects formalised via a Method of Works Plan.

As always, those who may be impacted by upcoming projects will be consulted during the preparation of works plans, with arrangements and timing of projects formalised via a Method of Works Plan.

UPCOMING | AIRFIELD PAVEMENT

The Southern Apron and Hangar 1 apron have been identified for concrete replacement, scheduled to commence following the completion of drainage works.

As always, those who may be impacted by upcoming projects will be consulted during the preparation of works plans, with arrangements and timing of projects formalised via a Method of Works Plan.

UPCOMING | LINE MARKING

A comprehensive line marking program is underway, aimed at refreshing all markings across the airfield in FY26.  

To date, work has been completed on both Runways, all taxiways and several aprons, with the final phase of work on the Easter and Hart Aprons being completed in June 2026, subject to weather.  

As always, those impacted will be consulted during the preparation of works plans, and arrangements and timing of works formalised via a Method of Works Plan.

PROJECT HIGHLIGHT | JOINT SEALING

Across November and December 2025, approximately 3500 lineal metres of concrete joints on Taxiway Bravo were sealed, ranging in width of between 20mm and 40mm. Concrete joint sealing assists in preventing water ingestion to the underlying pavement layers and subgrade thereby preventing pavement deterioration. Specifically, works involved the saw cutting of joints, chamfering of top edges, washing out and clearing cracks, installation of closed cell backer rods, installation of joint sealant, and clean up.

PROJECT HIGHLIGHT | AIRFIELD PAVEMENT

Essendon Fields completed a second round of Runway Pavement Scanning via vehicle-based scanning of Runway 17/35 and Runway 08/26 to capture vital pavement data to inform our ongoing maintenance planning.

Using advanced technology – including Traffic Speed Deflectometer testing and Laser Crack Measurement systems – our team collected valuable insights into surface performance and condition.

These scans involved multiple precision runs along each runway, helping ensure Essendon Fields continues to meet the highest standards of safety, reliability, and operational excellence for all airfield users. The data will be reviewed against the 2022 results to inform our Pavement Management Strategy, guiding decisions on additional crack sealing, mill and fill areas and/or spray seal applications.

PROJECT HIGHLIGHT | AIRFIELD DRAINAGE 

In June 2025 a review was carried out across the northern drainage network, with much of the system cleared using a sucker truck. Several areas requiring rectification were identified, including collapsed and cracked drains, as well as heavily blocked sections requiring more significant clearing.  This work informs our future programs of work, intended to protect pavements, prevent standing water from acting as a wildlife attractant, and assisting the team in effectively and efficiently maintaining the airfield grounds.

PROJECT HIGHLIGHT | RUNWAY PAVEMENT SCANNING

As part of our ongoing planning, Essendon Fields will be undertook Runway Pavement Condition Scanning of Runway 17/35 and Runway 08/26 in September 2025 to capture necessary data to inform our airfield maintenance schedule.

Works involved vehicle-based scanning, with individual runways unavailable and subject to a 30-min recall during the works, advised to affected operators via a Method of Working Plan and published NOTAMs.

We thank our airport operators for their understanding as we completed this important investigative project.

PROJECT HIGHLIGHT | AIRSIDE DRAINAGE INVESTIGATION

Essendon Fields Airport has been undertaking investigative works on the northern section of the airfield drainage system, in order to develop a drainage rectification plan for this area of the airport. Works involved a CCTV review of drains, drain clearing, drainage system mapping and condition assessment to facilitate development of future rectification and maintenance plans.

During these works temporary runway and run-up bay closures were required. We thank our operators for their cooperation whilst we carried out this important investigative work, and will continue to keep airport users updated about upcoming rectification works to be completed in FY26.

PROJECT HIGHLIGHT | RUNWAY 08/26 LINEMARKING

Line marking along the full length of Runway 08/26 was completed in June 2025.  The Essendon Fields Airport operations team worked closely with operators to manage temporary closures of Runway 08/26, Taxiway Hotel and parts of Taxiway November in order to complete the works.

PROJECT HIGHLIGHT | TAXIWAY BRAVO MINOR PAVEMENT REPAIRS

Essendon Fields Airport undertook minor concrete pavement repairs on Taxiway Bravo as part of our ongoing pavement improvement program.

Works involved concrete pavement repairs to 28 separate small areas of Taxiway Bravo West and Taxiway Bravo East, removing and replacing failed or failing pavement with a semi-rigid epoxy product.

PROJECT HIGHLIGHT | TAXIWAY DELTA ASPHALT REPLACEMENT

Approximately 850m2 of asphalt pavement was replaced along a 54m section of Taxiway Delta in April 2025.

This project included the temporary removal and subsequent reinstatement of taxiway lighting to facilitate removal of the existing asphalt layer back to the concrete base, and surface preparation to apply a new 40mm new asphalt layer, ensuring Taxiway Delta remains in sound condition to service aircraft operators into the future.

PROJECT HIGHLIGHT | TAXIWAY HOTEL PAVEMENT WORKS AND JOINT SEALING

A program of pavement works to Taxiway Hotel were completed in August 2024 to help prevent water ingestion into the underlying pavement layers and subgrade, alongside the sealing of approximately 1200 lineal metres of concrete joints.

PROJECT HIGHLIGHT | RUNWAY 17/35 PAVEMENT SURFACE TREATMENT

An important part of the wider pavement asset management plan is a surface enrichment and rejuvenation treatment to the existing north-south runway, carried out in March 2023. In order to deliver these works, temporary runway closures were carefully managed, with work occurring over three stages.