The airlines and other stakeholders have already been informed so they can adjust flight schedules and staffing in advance

The maintenance work will include safety inspections, surface repairs and checks of runway lighting, markings and drainage systems

An official statement issued earlier this month stated that the annual exercise is essential to ensure safe, reliable and efficient operations at one of the world’s busiest single-runway airports

It said that the closure has been planned carefully to minimise inconvenience to passengers

It further stated that the annual exercise is key to maintaining the highest safety standards