Overhaul underway at RAF Brize Norton: £180 million revamp to keep UK Air Mobility moving

A multi-million-pound project to overhaul critical airfield infrastructure refurbishment at one at one of the UK’s busiest military air bases, RAF Brize Norton, is now underway.   

The RAF project, delivered in conjunction with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), will see the existing runway surface replaced alongside significant refurbishment of the wider airfield infrastructure. The project forms part of the newly-announced Defence Investment Plan, which commits investment into the refurbishment of major runways and the renewal of critical infrastructure across the Defence estate.

Within the RAF’s Aircraft Operating Surface Programmatic Approach, VolkerFitzpatrick has been awarded the £180 million contract, with AECOM as Technical Services Provider, to carry out the works. These include a full replacement of the 3km runway, refurbishment of taxiways and associated infrastructure, upgrades to airfield lighting systems and improvements to drainage and supporting infrastructure.   

The programme represents a significant investment in the long-term operational capability, safety and resilience of the airfield. The project will use approximately 350,000 tonnes of material during construction – the same weight as 29,000 double decker buses.   

Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard MP said: 

RAF Brize Norton is the backbone of UK air mobility. This £180 million upgrade programme ensures it stays that way. 

Replacing the runway, upgrading critical systems and future-proofing the airfield is the long-term investment defence requires – which will create jobs and opportunities for the local community. 

This investment is highlighted in the Defence Investment Plan under Project Trenchard, the RAF’s £10 billion, 10-year programme to modernise bases and reverse decades of underfunding.

John Crennell, Deputy Head Air Infrastructure Major Programmes said:  

This is a critical programme to renew and modernise the infrastructure that underpins operations at RAF Brize Norton. We’ve moved from design into delivery, and work is now underway to replace the runway and upgrade key airfield systems in a carefully phased way. 

While there will be a planned runway closure later this year, we’ve worked closely with the RAF to ensure operations continue seamlessly from across the UK. Once complete, the upgraded airfield will provide a safer, more resilient platform to support Defence activity at home and overseas.

Bob Noyes, DIO Principal Project Manager, said:  

This is a landmark investment in one of the RAF’s most critical assets. Renewing the airfield at Brize Norton is essential to maintaining the capability of the UK’s busiest military air base, and we’re proud to be delivering it in a way that also invests in the local community.

Beyond its operational impact, the project is expected to deliver lasting benefits to the local area, including the creation of 20 full-time local employment opportunities, including five apprenticeships, as well as providing 30 weeks of work experience for local candidates. VolkerFitzpatrick will prioritise its supply chain within a 50-mile radius, supporting local businesses throughout the construction programme.   

Jeff Carter, Project Director VolkerFitzpatrick, said: 

VolkerFitzpatrick is proud to support the AOS programme at RAF Brize Norton, where strong collaboration has driven safety, communication, and performance across a complex scheme. 

With main works underway, early planning has positioned the team for successful delivery through to 2027. We remain committed to working in partnership to deliver infrastructure that enhances operational capability at RAF Brize Norton.

Meanwhile, as part of further investment into the Station, construction works are underway for 265 new military family homes at RAF Brize Norton, in line with commitments to widen access to housing set out in the Defence Housing Strategy.