NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) – The main runway at Norfolk International Airport (ORF) is back in full service, just in time for the peak holiday travel season. The 9,000-foot runway has been undergoing a rehabilitation project.

Crews paved older concrete surfaces with new asphalt. The work was done in phases. All told, the project cost $65 million, which was financed with grants, funding from the Virginia Department of Aviation, and Passenger Facility Charges paid by ORF travelers.

Images provided by Norfolk International Airport

“These runway improvements directly affect our ability to maintain safe and efficient operations,” said Mark Perryman, President & Chief Executive Officer of the Norfolk Airport Authority. “The new asphalt ends of Runway 05/23 offer a smoother surface for departing and arriving aircraft, and of greater importance, they’re more easily repairable whenever runway maintenance may be needed in the future. In tandem with several previous projects that improved the middle portions of the runway, ORF’s airfield is in fantastic shape and will continue to meet our region’s aviation needs for many more years to come.”

This work will extend the life of the runway by more than 20 years.

According to a news release, the Norfolk airport handled more than 75,000 takeoffs and landings last year, with just one commercial runway. Airport planners split the project into phases. Phase 1 began in April 2023 and was completed in November 2023. Phase 2 began in March 2024 and was completed in November 2024.

Prior to the asphalt replacement, workers replaced lights, reconstructed portions of taxiways and made other related improvements to the runway in 2018 and 2020.

Norfolk International Airport is in the midst of a nearly $1 billion capital improvement project. Three new gates, hold rooms, new restrooms and a pet relief area will be added to Concourse A. That project is expected to be completed in 2026. Moving walkways are being installed on the pedestrian bridge between the two airport buildings. This work is underway and should be complete in summer 2025.

As WAVY has also reported, a new Courtyard by Marriott hotel will be build at the airport, with access via the pedestrian bridge. The groundbreaking for this project is now expected in summer 2025.

Get updates on the “TransformORF” project, at this link.