Whidbey Island Naval Air Station will experience two runway closures this summer so that workers can remove rubber and repaint runway markings.

Repairs on Runway 7/25 are scheduled from May 31 through June 6. During that time, planes will only take off and land heading either northwest or southeast using Runway 14/32, and are more likely to use a landing approach and departure that brings aircraft over eastern Oak Harbor.

Repairs on Runway 14/32 are scheduled for June 7-13. During this period, planes can only take off and land heading either northeast or southwest using Runway 7/25, and are more likely to use a landing approach and departure that brings them over the western Skagit County, Mount Vernon, La Conner area, northern Island County and Lopez Island more often than normal.

Scheduled maintenance dates may shift due to early completion or weather.

Under single runway operating conditions, the air station is limited to the choice of only two directions for take-off and landing rather than the usual four.

Routinely, that choice is based on the prevailing wind direction at the time. When Ault Field is down to one air strip pilots will need to use a runway not aligned with the wind. In that case, the base will use the next best approach or departure runway.

Complaints can be placed by calling 360-257-6665 or emailing comments.naswi@navy.mil