The absence of centreline lighting and the 60 m width of runway 11/29 at Darwin result in very limited visual cues for maintaining runway alignment during night landings in reduced visibility.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau recommends that Darwin International Airport address the risk of very limited visual cues for maintaining runway alignment during night landings in reduced visibility that arise from the combination of the absence of centreline lighting and the 60-m width of runway 11/29 at Darwin.
DIA and Department of Defence (Defence) have concluded a consultation process re ATSB's Transport Safety Report. Runway centreline lighting and the 60m runway width were both key topics of discussion.
The unique "joint user" operations on runway 11/29 at Darwin International Airport including tail hook equipped military aircraft and the runway hook-arrestor system were discussed along with general civil operations in assessment of risk associated with the installation of runway centreline lighting.
The position of DIA and Defence remains aligned. Priority remains a CASA compliant aerodrome at Darwin for safe and efficient operations. DIA and Defence have agreed to the following actions to be considered and realised under the pending P0009 Defence National Airfield Works Project:
DIA notes that the runway centreline lighting identified by ATSB's letter on 9th May 2019 has been investigated and seems not to comply with the photometric standards of CASA MOS139. All were therefore deemed non-suitable. Neither DIA nor Defence intend to pursue runway centreline lighting at DIA in conjunction with runway hook-arrestor operations due to the increased risk of FOD. Such risk is considered too high.
The ATSB acknowledges the ongoing work by DIA and Defence to find an effective and practical solution, and will monitor progress and assess the safety issue on completion.
Resurfacing will now take place in the dry season of 2024 or 2025. Under consideration is the reduction of runway width from 60m to 45m, while maintaining outer 7.5m wide shoulders. New inset runway edge lighting would be installed at 45m width.
The ATSB will monitor progress and assess the safety issue on completion of safety actions.
On 5 June 2024 Darwin International Airport advised:
In June 2023 the Department of Defence commenced a full depth reconstruction of Runway 11/29, major drainage works and replacement aeronautical ground lighting.
Runway width was redeclared and marked at 45 m wide on 27 November 2023, while runway edge lights remained at 60 m width.
New runway edge lights are to be installed at 45 m width and the cutover is planned for 25–27 October 2024.
New high intensity approach lighting with sequenced flashing is to be installed with all works estimated for completion in March 2025.
The ATSB notes progress to date and will assess the safety issue on completion of safety actions.
On 29 October 2024, Darwin International Airport advised:
The ATSB notes the delay in edge lighting installation, and welcomes the addition of sequenced flashing lights to aid approach visibility prior to reaching the runway. The ATSB will continue to monitor this safety action.
