MSP to Close Runway 12R-30L Next Week for Final Airfield Repairs

(MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA) The Metropolitan Airports Commission announced that Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport will close its south parallel runway, Runway 12R-30L, from August 18 to September 26, 2025, to finish a major airfield project focused on runway grading, drainage, shoulder work, and reconstruction of Taxiway D near Highway 5. Officials timed the closure to avoid the peak summer travel season and to meet Federal Aviation Administration safety specifications.

Runway 12R-30L is a 10,000-foot east–west strip on the south side of Terminal 1 at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. The temporary shutdown is the final phase of a two-part effort that began with a spring closure from April 14 to May 23, 2025, after which the runway reopened for the busy summer.

Closure purpose and scope

The Metropolitan Airports Commission said the work will:

• Rebuild sections of Taxiway D at the east end.
• Improve runway shoulders.
• Upgrade drainage to move water away from the pavement.

These steps align the airfield with FAA safety rules and help extend the life of the surface so airlines can maintain reliable schedules once the runway returns to service.

Operational plan during closure

Air traffic control will assign flights to the airport’s three other runways depending on wind and demand. The FAA’s Runway Use System — a set of rules that guides which runway pair gets priority — will aim to route traffic over less populated areas when possible.

Once work ends, controllers will resume the normal pattern used before construction.

• Delta Air Lines, which operates about 70 percent of flights at MSP, will adjust as needed.
• The MAC expects only minor schedule changes thanks to the off-peak timing.
• Most travelers may notice different departure or arrival trajectories, particularly for aircraft departing east of Terminal 1.

“With this closure, air traffic control can assign flights to any of MSP’s three other runways depending on wind direction, air traffic demand, or other operational factors,” said Roy Fuhrmann, chief operating officer for the Metropolitan Airports Commission.

Funding and modernization context

MAC chief executive Brian Ryks tied the airfield work to a broader modernization program intended to support future capacity and a smoother passenger experience. The 2025 Capital Improvement Program allocates about $571.5 million for upgrades across the campus, following runway reconstruction on the north parallel and crosswind runways in 2024.

Community impact and resident resources

People living south and east of Terminal 1 may notice different flight paths and more noise while Runway 12R-30L is closed. That change is temporary, with traffic expected to return to familiar patterns after the project ends on September 26, 2025.

Residents who want updates or need help with noise-related questions can contact the MAC Community Relations Office at 612-726-9411.

The Metropolitan Airports Commission encourages neighbors to use:

• MAC FlightTracker
• The airport’s website for project updates and answers to common questions

The FAA will manage flows during construction to keep operations safe and steady and will return MSP to pre-construction runway use once work is complete.

Guidance for travelers and new arrivals

For international students arriving for the fall term, workers on employer visas, and families reuniting from overseas, the MAC recommends:

1. Check your airline app before leaving for the airport.
2. Watch for gate changes.
3. Allow longer connection buffers when changing planes at MSP.

These simple steps reduce stress during temporary airfield work and help ensure on-time connections.

Project timeline and milestones

Construction milestones for the current phase are straightforward:

• August 18, 2025 — Runway closure begins.
• Targeted work during August–September on grading and taxiway connections.
• September 26, 2025 — Planned reopening and resumption of normal runway use.

After reopening, the FAA will restore the usual runway use program so airlines can return to standard operations ahead of the busy fall and holiday seasons.

Why phased construction is used

This is the second straight year of heavy runway work at MSP. In 2024, crews rebuilt the north parallel runway (12L-30R) and the crosswind runway (4-22), installing similar safety and pavement upgrades.

Phased construction and off-peak scheduling allow the airport to split major work across seasons rather than stacking closures, which helps keep delays and cancellations in check. MSP’s approach mirrors industry best practices and focuses on core safety needs for the south parallel.

Local impacts for employers and motorists

For local employers expecting new hires (H‑1B professionals, seasonal staff, healthcare workers):

• Coordinate with airlines.
• Give new arrivals clear travel instructions.
• Consider longer connection times through MSP.

Drivers passing the airfield’s east end near Highway 5 may see construction vehicles and night lighting, but work is confined to secured areas. Crews will focus on grading and shoulder improvements that are mostly not visible from roadways but are important for aircraft safety during adverse weather.

Additional resources and references

For federal standards that guide projects like this, see the FAA’s Runway Safety overview: FAA Runway Safety.

For official updates and tools:

• Visit: metroairports.org
• Use: MAC FlightTracker to review current flight paths
• Call: 612-726-9411 with questions about aircraft noise

For ongoing context about immigration, travel policy, and related operational impacts at airports, coverage is available at VisaVerge.com.

Construction remains on schedule, with reopening slated for September 26, 2025 at MSP airport.