How far apart are runway edge lights?
Two straight rows, evenly spaced along the runway, with each light paired with a partner directly across the runway.
Runway edge lights run in two parallel rows along the full length of the runway, equidistant from the centreline. They are uniformly spaced at intervals of not more than 60 m on an instrument runway and not more than 100 m on a non-instrument runway (ICAO Annex 14).
Lights on opposite sides sit on lines at right angles to the runway axis. At runway intersections the spacing may be irregular, or lights omitted, provided the pilot still has adequate guidance.
Not more than 60 m between lights. A closer, more continuous line for low-visibility operations.
Not more than 100 m between lights. Used for visual operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1What is the maximum longitudinal spacing of runway edge lights?
ICAO Annex 14 Volume I says runway edge lights are uniformly spaced in rows at intervals of not more than 60 m on an instrument runway and not more than 100 m on a non-instrument runway. The FAA sets a maximum of 200 ft (61 m) between edge lights; check the edition in force.
Q2Why is the spacing tighter on an instrument runway?
Instrument runways are used in low visibility, when the pilot sees only a short stretch of lights. A tighter interval gives a more continuous, easier-to-read line for judging alignment and edge position.
Q3Must the lights on opposite sides of the runway line up?
Yes. Lights on opposite sides of the runway axis sit on lines at right angles to that axis, so each light faces a partner directly across the runway. Staggered rows are not the arrangement.
Q4What happens at runway intersections?
ICAO allows the lights to be spaced irregularly or omitted at an intersection of runways, provided the pilot still has adequate guidance. Where a taxiway or other pavement crosses a runway, national practice applies (the FAA, for example, keeps the line with in-pavement lights). Keep any gap as small as the layout allows and check the neighbouring spacing.
Q5Is 60 m a target or a limit?
It is a maximum. Designers usually choose one uniform interval at or below the limit so the rows divide the runway length evenly, rather than stretching spacing to the limit.
Q6Where is runway edge light spacing defined?
In ICAO Annex 14 Volume I (Chapter 5, runway edge lights) and the Aerodrome Design Manual Part 4, and for FAA-regulated airports in FAA AC 150/5340-30 and the project specification. Always confirm against the current edition.
See It. Understand It. Then Learn How to Engineer It.
Recognising how lights are laid out is the first step. The next step is knowing how to design, install, test, commission and maintain them correctly.
Build Practical AGL Engineering Skills
Go deeper with structured training from Precision AGL Academy, covering:
Learn how each light, sign and circuit works as part of a complete airport lighting system, not just as an isolated diagram.