VolkerFitzpatrick has begun work on a £28M programme to upgrade the airfield at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, with contractors expected to repair and improve taxiways and apron areas while the station continues its 24‑hour quick reaction duties.

The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) appointed VolkerFitzpatrick to deliver the improvements, with Aecom acting as the project’s technical services provider. The work is intended to prolong the life and improve the resilience of the air operating surfaces used by the base’s Typhoon fleet.

RAF Coningsby is one of two Royal Air Force Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) stations tasked with defending UK airspace. The station houses frontline squadrons 3 and 11 Squadron, together with 29 Squadron, which conducts Typhoon pilot training. Personnel at QRA stations are maintained on continuous standby to launch interceptors at short notice.

That operational posture presents a logistical challenge for the project: because aircraft must be ready to launch around the clock, construction will be phased and scheduled to avoid disrupting the station’s alert commitments. Officials say the work will therefore be carefully choreographed to maintain operational capability throughout the programme.

The upgrade reflects broader efforts by the Ministry of Defence and DIO to invest in infrastructure that supports fast‑jet operations. Airfield surfaces require periodic renewal to remain safe for high‑performance aircraft operations where deferred maintenance can increase the risk of foreign object damage and reduce sortie generation rates.

The project is expected to be completed in October 2026.

VolkerFitzpatrick operations director Keith Maplethorpe said: “We are proud to play a key role in delivering these vital upgrades at RAF Coningsby.

“This investment strengthens one of the UK’s most strategically important air stations, ensuring that its teams can continue to protect our airspace around the clock.”

DIO project manager Dan Wilmott said: “This is an important investment in one of the UK’s most operationally significant air stations. RAF Coningsby’s role in defending UK airspace never stops, so delivering these improvements while maintaining the constant readiness of the Quick Reaction Alert has required careful planning.

“We’re proud to be supporting the personnel at Coningsby with upgraded facilities that will serve the station for years to come.”