Routine runway repairs at Ault Field Base on Whidbey Island Naval Air Station may change air traffic patterns for the next couple of weeks.

Repairs to remove rubber and repaint runway markings are scheduled to begin Saturday, April 21.

They are expected to continue through the first week of May, according to a news release from the Whidbey airbase’s Public Affairs Office.

Because the air station will be operating under single runway conditions, airplanes will be limited to only two directions for take-offs and landings, rather than the usual four, and will be based on prevailing wind direction at the time.

From April 21 to April 27, repairs will be done on runway 14/32.

During that time, planes can only take off and land in a northeast or southwest direction on runway 7/25.

They will be more likely to use a landing approach and departure that brings them over the western Skagit County/Mount Vernon/LaConner area and northern Island County and Lopez Island more often than normal.

Repairs on runway 7/25 are scheduled from April 28 to May 4.

Planes will only be able to take off and land heading northwest or southeast during that time, which means they will be more likely to use an approach or departure route that will bring aircraft over eastern Oak Harbor and northern Camano Island.

Maintenance dates may change due to early completion or because of weather-related work stoppages.

For more information, contact the airbase’s Public Affairs office at 257-2286.