Travellers Face No Overnight Macau Flights as Runway Rebuild Runs to 2029

Macau International Airport will temporarily stop all flight take-offs and landings during the overnight hours from late October 2026, as construction linked to the airport's expansion and runway rehabilitation moves into a new phase. The suspension is set to run until the second half of 2029, and the airport says airlines have already been consulted and their schedules adjusted.

Key facts

• What: temporary suspension of flight take-offs and landings
• When: daily from 00:00 to 08:00, starting late October 2026
• How long: until the second half of 2029
• Why: runway artificial island and apron expansion, a new taxiway, and runway rehabilitation and improvement works
• Who is affected: passengers on flights scheduled during the overnight closure window

What is changing?

Under the construction contract, take-offs and landings at Macau International Airport will be suspended from 00:00 to 08:00 each day from late October 2026 through the second half of 2029. The airport said the pause is needed to ensure construction safety, smooth flight operations and construction quality.

The airport added that it engaged in advance communication and coordination with airlines on the project and adjusted flight schedules to minimise the impact on airport operations. It said it will maintain close communication with the contractor and monitor the progress of the works.

Why is this happening?

Macau International Airport said its reclamation and expansion project has been progressing in an orderly manner since it began in late 2024. The upcoming works cover the reclamation and expansion of the runway artificial island and apron, the construction of a new taxiway, and runway rehabilitation and improvement carried out at the same time to increase runway capacity.

The airport said multiple operational units are involved and that a complex coordination process is required to balance construction needs, phased runway rehabilitation safety and affected operations. It linked the project to the broader goal of developing an "international air transport hub (port) on the west bank of the Pearl River", and said it supports the SAR Government in strengthening the integrated tourism and leisure industry.

Could the overnight closure be shortened?

Possibly, but nothing is guaranteed. Macau International Airport said that, subject to full compliance with aviation safety standards and the availability of the necessary technical conditions, it will assess the feasibility of shortening the night flight suspension during holiday travel peaks. It also said it will strive to complete the overall construction as early as possible.

What this means for travellers

Passengers flying to or from Macau should expect no arrivals or departures between 00:00 and 08:00 from late October 2026. The airport said airlines have adjusted their schedules in advance, so travellers can check with their airline for the specific timing of their flight. Anyone booking trips during holiday travel peaks can watch for announcements on whether the overnight suspension has been shortened.

No exact start date in October has been announced, and the airport has not published a list of affected flights.