Runways can cost from anywhere around $15M (US), for something discribed above to well over $1B (US). DFW finished a 2012' X 150' concrete runway extension that costs $265M (US).

The cost of constructing a modern airport runway is an immense financial undertaking that typically ranges from $500 million to over $1 billion, depending on the length, geography, and specific load-bearing requirements. A standard commercial runway for long-haul jets must be approximately 10,000 to 12,000 feet long and built with multiple layers of high-grade asphalt or reinforced concrete capable of withstanding the impact of a 500-ton aircraft landing at high speeds. Beyond the physical pavement, a significant portion of the budget is allocated to complex drainage systems, advanced lighting (PAPI and approach lights), and high-tech navigation aids like Instrument Landing Systems (ILS). Environmental impact studies, land acquisition in densely populated areas, and the relocation of existing infrastructure often drive these costs even higher. For example, a new runway at a major hub like London Heathrow or Chicago O'Hare can easily exceed $2 billion when factoring in the required taxiways and terminal modifications. In 2026, rising material costs and stricter sustainability regulations for "green" construction continue to push these infrastructure price tags upward.