Royal Heijmans N.V. will carry out the renovation of the runway at Eindhoven Air Base. Heijmans is responsible for both the technical preparations and the execution of the project. The contract follows a tender by the Central Government Real Estate Agency and represents a revenue value of € 60 million.
Heijmans won the tender for this contract on the basis of sustainability and execution planning, along with a number of other factors. Preparatory work will start this year. During the runway closure next year, in just a few months the existing runway will be renovated, a new taxiway will be laid, all intersections between these runways will be completely replaced, and new aircraft braking systems (VAI) will be installed at both ends of the runway. All this work will be carried out in conjunction with the renewal and construction of various technical facilities, such as airport lighting, high-voltage cabling, data cabling, and drainage, as well as the upgrade of the ILS (Instrument Landing System) to the highest category. This is a navigation system that guides aircraft to a safe and precise approach and landing, even in poor visibility.
The runway at Eindhoven Air Base is used for both military and civil aviation. The Ministry of Defence is the formal owner of the air base and therefore also the client. The air base has a single runway and will therefore be closed for 24 weeks to enable Heijmans to carry out the work safely. The closure will start on 1 February 2027, and the runway will reopen on 19 July. Working under this time pressure is not unusual for Heijmans. The construction company is also carrying out similar work at Schiphol Airport. Last year, Heijmans was responsible for this work on Schiphol’s Buitenveldert runway.
Planning Simulation
Heijmans’ strategic pillars of Sustainability (new window) and Well-being (new window) are reflected in the reuse of virtually all materials that will be released during the project, such as asphalt and concrete. These materials will be reused in the project itself, which will also reduce transport movements to and from the air base and limit disruption to the surrounding area. Materials that cannot be reused immediately are disposed of as nearby as possible.
Heijmans differentiates itself in its implementation planning in the area of feasibility (new window) by using, among other things, a 4D planning simulation and an interactive learning environment. These are used to simulate unforeseen events during the preparation phase, making it possible to act more quickly in the event of changes during the implementation phase.
Martijn van de Koolwijk
Spokesperson