Boston Logan Airport Closing Key Runway Through November: Expect Delays and Reroutes

One of six runways at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) will be closed starting on Aug. 31 through at least Nov. 13 because of construction.

Runway 9-27, one of six runways at the airport and its key east-west directional runway, is closed through at least Nov. 13, just before the Thanksgiving holiday in the U.S. The construction is the second phase of a two-year project that the airport began last fall to install an Engineered Material Arresting System (EMAS) at the end of Runway 27.

The construction includes building a deck over the neighboring Boston Harbor to support that EMAS bed.

The 75-day closure will temporarily reduce airfield capacity, potentially causing flight delays for travelers flying through Boston over the next few months. All air traffic will be shifted to the airport’s five remaining, active runways, which could cause some issues for surrounding communities, who will notice an increase in noise and overflights dyring the construction.

In a statement, MASSPORT, which operates Logan, said that the closure was “necessary” to complete the project, and that it was working with airlines to make the process as smooth as possible for travelers.

“During this period, Boston Logan will have reduced runway capacity. Travelers also may experience delays, particularly during periods of inclement weather, air traffic constraints, or other operational disruptions. Massport has coordinated the construction schedule closely with its airline partners and the FAA,” it said.

For advisors with clients connecting through Boston, particularly during busy travel periods like September’s Labor Day weekend, they will need to build in longer connection windows to deal with the fallout from potential weather delays that are likely to escalate at the airport through November.