Deadlines for the runway renovation project at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport might be missed because of a lack of interest from contractors.
The two runways have been in use since the airport began operations in 1979. The Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) had planned 10 years ago to renovate them and to upgrade the navigation aid facilities at the same time. However, the runway project was delayed due to issues with construction methods.
Taoyuan International Airport Corp (TIAC) tried to resume the project after it was established in November 2010. However, the project has not proceeded as smoothly as expected.
The company said the contractor who was supposed to work on the runway reinforcement project left before construction began.
The reinforcement project on the north runway finally began in May and was completed before the summer vacation. The main construction work on the north runway is scheduled for next year.
The company was supposed to close the south runway at the end of last month so that the main renovation work on it could begin.
TIAC held bidding sessions for the renovation project last week and on Wednesday, but attracted no bidders.
The government was scheduled to complete the project by the end of 2015. Once construction is completed, the runways will be capable of handling larger aircraft, such as the Airbus 380.
The upgraded navigation aid facilities will also enable aircraft to land in foggy weather.
TIAC said it will review the bidding requirements and seek to hold another bidding session next week.
Whether renovation can be finished on time depends on whether bidding goes as planned, it said.
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