Any news on the long term plan for T3 to allow demolition of T1? They will eventually need to find somewhere for check in/security if this is to be achieved.
I suspect the next few years will be focussed on smaller projects to increase capacity (such as the expansion of the apron and demolition of cargo sheds). I dont think there is the money to do anything too dramatic in the short term, especially as a large amount will need to be spent on general repairs to the airport and airfield. The runways and taxiways are in a right state emphasised by the failure of taxiway E, constant moving of centrelines to avoid failed pavement, the extended closure of taxiway D and the regular emergency runway repairs. There are other signs of severe deterioration elsewhere on the airfield (including the south side) which im sure will start to cause major problems soon. I wouldn't be surprised if we end up with a situation where multiple pavement failures prevent all movements in and out of both T2 cul-de-sacs which will be a disaster! The failure to deliver on the dual taxiway project will come back to haunt MAG.
I hope I am proven wrong, but I think this is an inevitable situation given the current state of affairs where general maintenance has been neglected for years and contracts given to the lowest bidder.
I do think MAG need to prioritise improving resilience on the airfield and finally delivering the long promised dual taxiway system to all parts of T2.
There has been no announcement as far as I am aware and not read anything ref the long term of T3. Good news ref the short-medium term with the recent announcement of departures being extended into the previous check in areas. I think the current set up of using ex T1 baggage drop off and security works well and will continue for a few more years yet.
Yes, I suspect your correct there in terms of other projects taking priority before any further extension to T3 and / or a new terminal. There is a budget of £800m for airfield works in general over the next 4/5 years. In no particular order:
* Demolition of cargo / fright sheds.
* New remote stands for T2.
* Resurfacing of both runways.
* Completion of dual taxiway works to and from T2 and Zulu remote stands.
I hope this budget also includes other taxiway repairs and reconstructions.
It's quite embarrassing really and I'm disappointed but not totally surprised by the fact that the dual taxiway system lasted a few months and then had to close at Taxiway Delta due to multiple failed pavements. All the song and dance the airport's socials made of it during testing and when it was opened and then soon after, had to be closed. This simply shouldn't happen! Movements are delayed on the airfield for both airfield vehicles and aircraft, which of course affects the airport's OTP.
For me we need a UK version of AENA or even the Spanish airport operator to come in (or another company with a large budget who are willing to spend) and fix all these issues out! They affect aircraft and therefore potentially affect safety.
I travel a lot annually for both business and pleasure and of all the regional airports in Europe I have visited (examples: Hamburg, Krakow, Malaga, Alicante to name a few), it always seems to be UK airports who have taxiways patched up with tarmac (like a lot of the roads in the country!). I know our climate and weather doesn't help, but Germany and Poland have plenty of bad weather (including a lot of snow compared to us) and yet they manage their airfield infrastructure much better!
I just hope these future (both short, medium and long term) projects come to fruition and we eventually have an improved T3 and airfield (with no potholes!).
