Work begins to replace all 3km of runway at Brize Norton – the RAF’s biggest station

Mike Morto – 7th August 2026 at 11:38am

Work is underway to completely replace RAF Brize Norton’s 3km of runways as the station’s major £180m infrastructure overhaul enters its second phase.

Brize’s taxiways and associated infrastructure are also being refurbished, airfield lighting systems are being replaced and improvements to drainage and other supporting assets are being made.

Once complete, the work will ensure the continued safe and effective operation of the RAF’s strategic air mobility hub for decades to come.

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Aircraft dispersed

Construction activity on the programme is substantial, with approximately 350,000 tonnes of material expected to be used throughout the project – the equivalent in weight to around 29,000 double-decker buses.

The programme forms part of the recently announced Defence Investment Plan, which includes investment in the refurbishment of key runways and the renewal of critical infrastructure across the defence estate.

The RAF’s A400M Atlas and C-17 Globemaster fleets have been relocated to MOD Boscombe Down in Wiltshire, but will also be making the occasional use of Bournemouth Airport.

Meanwhile, the Voyager fleet is operating out of alternative hubs including Prestwick, East Midlands, Birmingham and Stansted airports as well as RAF Waddington.

With the Air Mobility Force’s temporary deployment away from RAF Brize Norton, the runway has been formally handed over to the infrastructure team overseeing the project.

This next construction phase is scheduled to be completed in November, when the AMF will return to operate from the station.

Overall construction and project completion is expected in October next year.