FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 24, 2026

Lake Havasu City announces the start of the Runway Safety Area Improvements Project at the Lake Havasu City Municipal Airport (KHII), scheduled to take place six nights per week from Monday, July 27, 2026, through the morning of Wednesday, August 26, 2026, weather and construction progress permitting.

The Runway Safety Area is the prepared area adjacent to and beyond the runway that is designed to reduce the risk of damage to an aircraft in the event of an undershoot, overrun, or unintentional departure from the paved runway surface. While these incidents are uncommon, maintaining a properly constructed and well-maintained safety area is an important component of airport operations and helps provide an additional margin of safety for pilots and aircraft.

This project improves the overall condition and functionality of the Runway Safety Area by creating a more uniform, stable surface around the runway. The improvements reduce potential hazards should an aircraft leave the paved runway, support continued compliance with applicable airport design and safety standards, protect the City’s investment in critical airport infrastructure, and help ensure the airport remains safe and operational for years to come.

To ensure the work is completed safely and efficiently, the airport will be closed nightly from 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. During this time, the airport is closed to all aircraft operations, and no arrivals, departures, or aircraft movements will be permitted. The airport is expected to reopen each morning at approximately 6:00 a.m., provided construction activities have concluded safely and conditions allow.

Scheduling the work during overnight hours minimizes disruptions to airport users by allowing normal daytime operations to continue while providing construction crews with uninterrupted access to the airfield to complete the improvements safely and efficiently. Airport tenants and other directly affected users have been notified in advance of the project and upcoming nightly closures.

The City appreciates the patience and cooperation of airport tenants, pilots, businesses, and the aviation community as these important safety improvements are completed.

For additional information, please contact:
Community Engagement Officer: Jerri Bracamonte at 928-854-0801.