The Knoxville Municipal Airport recently closed their runway and taxiways as they begin the reconstruction of 3,000 feet of the northern part of the runway as well as begin upgrading all runway and taxiway lights to LEDs. The runways and taxiways will remain closed until the end of July. The airport will remain open to helicopter traffic (including Mercy operations) as the ramp, refueling area, terminal, shop, and remainder of the airport will continue to operate. 

Knoxville Aviation will offer aircraft mechanical services in the HyVee hangar in Chariton (CNC), at Lamoni (LWD), and as needed out of their mobile unit. The closure comes as travel across the country is restricted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Even with the airport still open to helicopter traffic, manager of the airport Dan Van Donselaar tells KNIA/KRLS News they are still following the CDC’s recommendations to help stop the spread of COVID-19. 

Van Donselaar says all employees have been working in different areas to stay socially distant. He says the airport continues to sanitize offices and surfaces daily to help keep employees safe. He says the MercyOne helicopter crews stay in their crew quarters away from everyone as well as in case they work with a patient that might be infected. 

To hear the complete interview with Van Donselaar, tune in to today’s Let’s Talk Knoxville or click the link below.

https://www.kniakrls.com/2020/04/03/lets-talk-knoxville-knoxville-airport-closed-for-construction/