"Our organisation has been significantly affected by Covid-19, but the downturn in aviation traffic has also created opportunities for us to carry out runway works with minimal disruption to airlines, to ensure the ongoing safety and efficiency of our airfield," said Lovatt.
The runway will be shortened by 990m at the western end for the duration of the works, known as a "displaced threshold".
This allows runway works to be carried out safely while the runway remains open.
About 14,000 flights are expected to use the shortened runway during the eight-week programme of works, around half the number from the same period last year.
A 150-strong construction team would be working on the project, which starts on November 5 and is scheduled for completion at the end of the year.
During the works, 250 truckloads of concrete will be poured, covering 3000 square metres of runway, an area the size of six tennis courts.
The 36 square metre slabs are 500mm thick.
Auckland Airport has cancelled or deferred many key infrastructure projects in light of Covid-19.
"We've had to reduce our infrastructure development programme over the next couple of years – but we're making a point of prioritising projects that are focused on essential safety and asset maintenance," he said.
Safety is our top priority and we worked closely with airlines, pilots' associations, Airways, the CAA and our designers and contractors to develop the plans for this work."
The contractor for the project is Brian Perry Civil, the same firm that delivered the earlier slab-replacement programme.
In March, Auckland Airport said it was suspending work on its second runway, the domestic jet terminal and other projects totalling $2 billion because of uncertainty caused by Covid-19.
Shares in Auckland Airport last traded at $6.98, up 3 cents from Monday's close.
