What is a runway intersection?
The point where two runways cross or meet, creating a surface shared by both and a layout the AGL system has to respect.
A runway intersection is where two runways cross or meet. The paved area common to both is the intersection area, and aircraft on either runway can pass through it.
Layouts fall into three common shapes: a perpendicular crossing, a T-intersection where one runway ends on another, and an angled crossing. Because the shared area serves both runways, edge lights may be omitted or irregularly spaced across it, and the centreline lights of the runway given priority (usually the one in use or the primary runway) commonly continue through it, depending on the airport’s arrangement.
On the pavement surface the rule is clearer: the markings of the more important runway are displayed through the intersection and the markings of the other runway are interrupted. The order of importance is a precision approach runway, then a non-precision approach runway, then a non-instrument runway. In a T-intersection the edge lights along the far side of the continuing runway are not interrupted at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1What is a runway intersection?
The place where two runways cross or meet, so that a section of paved surface belongs to both runways at once.
Q2What types of runway intersection are there?
The common layouts are a perpendicular crossing, a T-intersection where one runway ends on another, and an angled crossing where the runways meet obliquely.
Q3What is the intersection area?
The surface common to both runways. Aircraft on either runway can pass through it, which is why its markings, signs and lighting are arranged carefully.
Q4How does a runway intersection affect the AGL layout?
Edge lights may be omitted or irregularly spaced across the shared area, and the centreline lights of the runway given priority commonly continue through it, depending on the airport’s arrangement. See the Runway Intersection Lighting entry for the detail.
Q5Which runway’s markings continue through an intersection?
The more important runway. The order is a precision approach runway, then a non-precision approach runway, then a non-instrument runway. The markings of the other runway are interrupted across the shared area.
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