Leveraging digital solutions to streamline runway reconstruction

From planning and design through construction, integrated digital technologies can help airports reduce risk, maintain operations and deliver long-term operational performance

By Bob McAndrews | HNTB

As demand for air travel continues to grow, airport authorities are working to modernize critical infrastructure while minimizing disruption to operations.

Among the most complex and consequential efforts in aviation development, runway reconstruction demands exacting coordination across design, permitting and construction, often within the constraints of an active airfield. These high-stakes, time-sensitive projects are essential to preserving safety, capacity and long-term operational resilience.

To meet these demands, many airports are adopting advanced digital tools that improve decision-making, reduce risk and accelerate delivery. Real-time data platforms, 3D modeling, predictive analytics and digital twins can enable teams to plan, phase and construct with greater efficiency and confidence.

Digital applications driving successful runway projects

Runway reconstruction projects involve a wide range of interdependent activities — from environmental review and permitting to phasing strategy, stakeholder engagement and construction sequencing.

When supported by a cohesive digital strategy, these project tasks can be better aligned, allowing teams to adapt to developments in real time and deliver with greater precision.

Key applications include:

• Integrated planning – GIS-based dashboards and centralized data platforms can unify data from geotechnical surveys, pavement assessments and airfield operations into a single location to allow for more informed decision-making while assessing project risks more efficiently.
• Accelerated design – Tools like building information modeling (BIM) and 3D visualization can help streamline various cycles of a design, enabling quicker approvals. This includes simulation of construction phasing, aircraft movement and identification of other potential construction conflicts.
• Enhanced collaboration – Cloud-based platforms support real-time collaboration among airport staff, contractors, engineers among other key stakeholders. With the entire team working from the same dataset, redundancies can be identified and eliminated, leading to a more efficient delivery.
• Predictive analytics – Artificial intelligence and machine learning can help identify material needs, equipment usage and potential scheduling delays, empowering project teams to address these and other risks in advance.
• Digital Twins – Virtual models of airfield systems allow for real-time progress tracking, operational simulations and long-term asset management. These high-fidelity environments can be used to test phasing plans and prepare for future maintenance or technology integration.
• Lifecycle forecasting – Digital planning tools also can help airports prepare for evolving operational demands. By modeling long-lead dependencies, simulating future technology integration (e.g., CAT II/III landing systems), and testing how infrastructure will respond to different use scenarios, teams can design for adaptability from the outset. These insights inform smarter investment decisions and help ensure runways perform well into the future.

Strategies for effective implementation

While digital tools offer significant advantages, successful adoption begins with thoughtful planning, targeted investment and alignment with broader airport objectives. Several strategies can help set up runway programs for success:

• Start with a focused application – Piloting a specific tool, such as a centralized model-sharing platform or a GIS-based dashboard, on a defined project can demonstrate tangible value and build internal support for broader digital integration.
• Training the workforce – Equipping staff with the skills to interpret dashboards, operate modeling platforms and engage in real-time collaboration is critical. Training programs should be built into the project schedule and tailored to match the pace of implementation.
• Align tools with strategic priorities – Digital transformation delivers the greatest impact when it supports airport-wide goals such as sustainability, resilience or safety. By selecting tools that advance these objectives, airports can ensure that technological adoption contributes to long-term value.
• Account for procurement and lead times – Some digital strategies, like modeling construction around long-lead equipment, require early coordination with procurement teams. Identifying critical-path items upfront allows teams to incorporate those dependencies into bid packages and delivery schedules.
• Establish shared platforms early – When design and construction teams operate from a centralized data environment, coordination improves across disciplines and contractors. Early setup of common digital platforms helps standardize workflows and reduce rework later in the project.