Dubai International Airport to close operations for 45 days for runway maintenance

Dubai International Airport will be closing operations of its southern runway for 45 days, for maintenance and upgrades - it has been announced.

Dubai Airports made an announcement on the matter - explaining that the closure will happen from April 16-May 30 in 2019. During that time, flights will be diverted through DWC airport, and is scheduled at a time where the airport experiences lower traffic numbers in a 'seasonal lull'.
DXB currently operates more than 1,100 aircraft movements per day.
 “In the months ahead we will be working closely with Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects, airlines and other stakeholders to ensure we optimise service and capacity during this period next year and minimise the impact on our customers. While we regret any inconvenience this may cause to our airline customers and our passengers, these upgrades are absolutely necessary to heighten safety, boost capacity and pave the way for future growth.”  ​
~Paul Griffiths, Dubai Airports CEO
According to Dubai Airports, the maintenance will include the placement of 60,000 tonnes of asphalt as well as 8,000m3 of concrete to strengthen and resurface the runway and the adjacent taxiways.

Dubai Airports today confirmed plans to upgrade DXB's southern runway for a 45-day period, from April 16 to May 30 2019. We will be working closely with airlines to minimise impact on our customers. pic.twitter.com/wJni51Rr7s

— Dubai Airports (@DubaiAirports) February 26, 2018