Airline passengers will need to make alternate plans during the last week of August 2020 as the Yakima Air Terminal-McAllister Field (YKM) runway will close for planned improvements.
Runway 27 will close from 8:00 am Monday, August 24th, through 8:00 pm Saturday, August 29th.
Scheduled improvements include replacing runway edge lights, asphalt maintenance and updating runway markings to meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) current standards. An airport navigation aid will also be relocated during the project.
“We encourage airline passengers to seek alternate travel arrangements between August 24th and August 29th,” said Airport Director Robert Peterson. “During the project, passengers may wish to use the Airporter Shuttle service between YKM and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.”
Passengers can make reservations by contacting Airporter Shuttle at 866-235-5247 or https://airporter.com/shuttle/reservations/
The Runway 27 project is funded through the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program. The project’s estimated cost is $1.4 million.
The Yakima City Council approved a contract with Road Products, Inc. for Runway 27 during its May 19th meeting.
Runway 27 sees the most use at YKM, with more than 95 percent of all flights departing or arriving on this surface. It is the longest runway at YKM, extending 7,604 feet. It is the airport’s only runway available to airlines.
The late August timeline was selected in avoid the busy fall and holiday travel seasons. This timeframe was also chosen for the low probability of precipitation, as dry weather is necessary for asphalt maintenance.
For more information, contact the YKM administration office at 575-6149 or Peterson at 575-6260 or rob.peterson@yakimawa.gov