Goa International Airport

The single strip international runway at Goa is very important for the state’s economy based on tourism. Simultaneously, it holds great strategic importance for defence forces of the country.

The runway surface was heavily deteriorated due to fatigue and it was a challenge to restore the same considering heavy traffic density and lack of alternate runways in close vicinity. It was not possible to carry out any resurfacing work or bituminous patch works during Goa’s heavy monsoon months of June to September which were followed by months of peak tourism and international charter flight operations from November to February.

The runway was declared “Not fit for flying” by defence authorities. LN Petrochem was called upon to provide a solution in this hour of crisis. Upon survey, it was decided that Runway will be rejuvenated without any NOTAM.

Flight safety was given utmost importance. Movement of machinery and manpower was planned in a manner that there was no impact on flight operations.

Entire runway was rejuvenated at night. Rejuvenation of the runway pavement using Emulcote was found to be very effective as it was very easy to apply over the wearing surface. The application not only blocked pores but also improved the binding of bituminous matrix of the runway. Not only water percolation but also unlocking of aggregate and FOD was totally avoided.

Emulcote reversed the ageing of bitumen by reducing the viscosity and enhancement of friction, thus improving overall riding quality