DAL’s Runway 13R/31L Reopens Following Full Reconstruction

The full reconstruction of Dallas Love Field’s Runway 13R/31L is now complete after a 14-month closure. The runway officially reopened to aircraft traffic Tuesday, June 28, 2022.As the primary option for commercial operations, Runway 13R/31L reached the end of its useful life after traffic dramatically increased upon the expiration of the Wright Amendment in 2014. The design and pre-construction phases of the large-scale capital project lasted several years before construction commenced. All airport stakeholders, including airline carriers and area neighbors, were informed throughout the planning stages leading to the closure.During the closure, all Dallas Love Field airport traffic operated on Runway 13L/31R, nearest Lemmon Avenue. Though the airport did receive a slight increase in noise complaints, it conducted a Federal Aviation Administration-required Environmental Assessment in 2019 and received a Finding of No Significant Impact.“It is no secret that this project faced many challenges, from ice storms to supply and labor shortages stemming from the pandemic. But we are extremely grateful to our partners and construction teams for joining us in our commitment to ensure the operational safety and efficiency of the Dallas Love Field airfield. And to our community members, we appreciate your patience during the duration of this project,” said Mark Duebner, Director of Aviation.While the runway has been reconstructed to meet current FAA design specifications, additional upgrades will continue for associated safety areas and taxiways. These upgrades include connector taxiways, an improved storm drainage system, and high-efficiency LED lighting systems to reduce airfield inefficiencies. The remaining improvements are expected to continue through October 2022.For information about Dallas Love Field’s capital projects, visit our Airport Projects page