Vacuum Excavation at a National UK Airport

The Job

At John Mee Vac-Ex Hire we were recently tasked with a vital vacuum excavation project at a major national UK airport. The goal was to locate several high-voltage cables using trial holes and to investigate two drainage runs within the airport grounds. These services are critical for the airport’s infrastructure, so accurate locating and safe excavation were essential. Any mistakes could have had serious implications—not only for the airport’s operations but also for on-site safety. Digging the traditional way wasn’t an option. There were too many unknowns underground, and using heavy machinery could have easily damaged something critical. That’s why vacuum excavation was the right choice. It allowed us to excavate carefully around sensitive areas, exposing exactly what we needed to see without causing any damage.

Key Issues

Airports are one of the most controlled and secure working environments you can operate in. Before any digging could start, our Operators had to complete a thorough approval process. This meant getting their airside passes completed —something we handle through our in-house training team—and making sure they were fully briefed on all the strict safety and security procedures that come with working in an airport environment.
Whilst excavating the drainage runs, we encountered a maze of underground utilities, most of them being unknown. This required us to continue work cautiously to avoid damaging any services and ensure safety for everyone on site. Managing these unknowns while minimising disruption to airport operations was the main priority throughout the project.

Conclusion

With our specialised vacuum excavation equipment and experienced Operators, we carefully and efficiently exposed the HV cables and drainage systems. All work was completed without any interruptions to the airport. This project shows our ability to handle sensitive and complex environments, emphasising our commitment to safety, compliance, and delivering high-quality results. Works completed with ZERO strikes.

Why It Matters

At John Mee Vac-Ex Hire, we’ve been involved in all kinds of high-risk environments—nuclear sites, power stations, gas networks, oil facilities and more. But this particular job was a real reminder of just how important experience is. We operate 24/7 and cover projects nationwide, which means we’re ready to respond wherever and whenever we’re needed. Whether it’s a planned job or an urgent call-out, we can provide expert advice on the best approach and deliver a solution that’s safe, efficient, and effective.

Once again, we proved that with the right team, the right equipment, and the right knowledge, even the most complex excavation work can be completed without incident—and with complete confidence.

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