£180 million RAF Brize Norton runway overhaul gets underway

A £180 million infrastructure programme is underway at RAF Brize Norton to overhaul critical airfield infrastructure at one of the UK’s busiest military air bases.

The project, delivered by the RAF in conjunction with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, will see the existing runway replaced and major refurbishment work carried out across the wider airfield.

The investment forms part of the Defence Investment Plan, which includes funding for major runway refurbishment and the renewal of critical infrastructure across the defence estate.

RAF Brize Norton plays a central role in UK air mobility, supporting transport, refuelling and operational deployment activity. The upgrade is intended to improve airfield resilience and support future operations.

RAF Brize Norton runway to be replaced

VolkerFitzpatrick has been awarded the £180 million contract under the RAF’s Aircraft Operating Surface Programmatic Approach, with AECOM appointed as technical services provider.

The works include full replacement of the 3km runway, refurbishment of taxiways and associated infrastructure, upgrades to airfield lighting systems, and improvements to drainage and supporting infrastructure.

The programme will use around 350,000 tonnes of material during construction, equivalent to the weight of about 29,000 double-decker buses.

Luke Pollard MP, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, said: “RAF Brize Norton is the backbone of UK air mobility. This £180 million upgrade programme ensures it stays that way.

“Replacing the runway, upgrading critical systems and future-proofing the airfield is the long-term investment defence requires, which will create jobs and opportunities for the local community.”

Pollard said the investment is highlighted in the Defence Investment Plan under Project Trenchard, the RAF’s £10 billion, 10-year programme to modernise bases and reverse decades of underfunding.

Defence infrastructure upgrade to support air mobility

John Crennell, deputy head of air infrastructure major programmes, said the scheme had moved from design into delivery.

“This is a critical programme to renew and modernise the infrastructure that underpins operations at RAF Brize Norton,” he said.

“While there will be a planned runway closure later this year, we’ve worked closely with the RAF to ensure operations continue seamlessly from across the UK. Once complete, the upgraded airfield will provide a safer, more resilient platform to support defence activity at home and overseas.”

Bob Noyes, DIO principal project manager, described the programme as “a landmark investment in one of the RAF’s most critical assets”.

The project is also expected to deliver local benefits, including 20 full-time local employment opportunities, five apprenticeships and 30 weeks of work experience for local candidates. VolkerFitzpatrick will prioritise suppliers within a 50-mile radius.

Further investment is also underway at the station, with construction works progressing on 265 new military family homes at RAF Brize Norton.