Increased Air Traffic Over Lakeville During MSP Runway Construction

As some people may have noticed, there is more airplane noise that’ll be lasting for the coming weeks as Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) has begun construction on one of its main runways.

The work on Runway 12R-30L started Tuesday and will affect flight patterns across Dakota County.

The construction will be completed in two phases: the first running until May 23, and the second from August 18 to September 26.

Between these periods, the runway will reopen to accommodate the busy summer travel season.

According to airport officials, arriving planes from various directions may be making larger flight loops over Lakeville, Farmington, and Apple Valley before landing at MSP.

With an estimated 1,000 flights arriving and departing MSP daily, this temporary change in air traffic patterns could be noticeable to local residents.

Unlike last year's construction which caused increased air traffic over Dakota County for the entire summer, this year's project has a smaller scope and has been phased to minimize disruption.

The 2025 runway work includes safety area grading, drainage improvements, shoulder work, and reconstruction of Taxiway D.

Once construction is finished, flight patterns will return to normal pre-construction operations.