What are closed runway marking lights?
The red lights and cross markings that say part of a runway or taxiway cannot be used, and why the normal lights are switched off inside it.
When part of the movement area cannot be used, the airfield has to say so plainly, day and night. The signal has three parts: a cross on the surface, red lights across the way in, and the normal lights switched off inside.
1A closed runway or taxiway
A runway or taxiway, or a portion of one, may be closed to aircraft permanently or for a time, for example for works. It is shown by a closed marking: a cross, white on a runway and yellow on a taxiway. Annex 14 places it at each end of the closed portion and, on a runway, at further points so the gap between markings is no more than 300 m. The marking may be left out when a closure is short and air traffic services give adequate warning.
2Red unserviceability lights at night
For use at night, unserviceability lights are fixed red lights placed across the entrance to the closed area, so a pilot sees red where the way is blocked. Annex 14 requires them where a usable runway or taxiway that is used at night meets the closed area, at intervals of not more than 3 m. It also asks for enough brightness to stand out against nearby lights, with a minimum of 10 cd of red light.
3Normal lights are not operated
Lighting on a closed runway or taxiway is not operated, except for maintenance. A lit centreline or edge pattern would draw a pilot toward the closed area, so it is left dark. Being able to switch a stretch off on its own is a circuit and control design matter: see selective switching.
4Unserviceable, but not closed
Sometimes an area is unfit for aircraft but can still be bypassed safely, such as a damaged patch beside an open taxiway. Then unserviceability markers (cones, flags or boards) and, at night, red lights mark the area so aircraft keep clear while the rest stays in use.
| Situation | Marking | Lights |
|---|---|---|
| Closed runway or portion | White cross at each end, no more than 300 m apart | Red lights across the entrance, not more than 3 m apart, where a usable runway or taxiway used at night meets it; runway lights not operated |
| Closed taxiway or portion | Yellow cross at each end | Red lights across the entrance, not more than 3 m apart, where a usable runway or taxiway used at night meets it; taxiway lights not operated |
| Unserviceable, can be bypassed | Markers: cones, flags or boards | Fixed red lights marking the area at night |
| Permanently closed | Existing markings obliterated | Lighting not operated, except for maintenance |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1What are closed runway marking lights?
They are the red lights and markings that show part of a runway or taxiway is closed. A cross is displayed on the surface, red unserviceability lights are placed across the way into the closed area at night, and the normal lights inside are not operated.
Q2What colour are unserviceability lights?
Red, and fixed rather than flashing. Annex 14 requires them to be bright enough to stand out against adjacent lights, with a minimum of 10 cd of red light. Across the entrance of a closed area they are spaced not more than 3 m apart.
Q3What does a closed marking look like?
A cross. It is white on a runway and yellow on a taxiway. It is placed at each end of the closed portion and, on a runway, at further points so the gap between markings is no more than 300 m.
Q4Are the runway or taxiway lights switched off in a closed area?
Yes. Annex 14 says lighting on a closed runway or taxiway, or a closed portion of one, is not operated except for maintenance. Switching a stretch off separately depends on the circuit and control design.
Q5What is the difference between a closed area and an unserviceable area?
A closed area is not to be used by aircraft at all. An unserviceable area is unfit for movement but can still be bypassed safely, so it is marked with markers and, at night, red lights so aircraft keep clear of it.
Q6How is a closure notified to pilots?
Through the aerodrome's notification and air traffic procedures, such as a NOTAM and ATC instructions. The lights and markings are the signal on the ground, not the only one.
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