Runway Lights Explained | Colors, Spacing, Types

Runway Centerline Lights (RCL)

  • 8” inset lights
  • spacing 15 m
  • white/Red
  • From threshold to 900 m before runway end: White
  • From 900 m to 300 m before the runway end: Alternating white and red
  • Last 300 m of runway: Red
  • ADB SAFEGATE
  • OCEM
  • Hella

Runway Edge Lights

  • 12″ inset light
  • Elevated/inset (typically)
  • spacing 60 m (typical)
  • Colour During Operation:
    • White
    • Last 600 m or 1/3 of runway length (whichever is less): Yellow (caution zone)
  • ADB SAFEGATE
  • OCEM
  • Hella

Touchdown Zone (TDZ) Lights

  • 8″
  • Inset lights
  • Spacing: 3 m or 6 m lateral spacing per pair; longitudinal 30 m intervals
  • Colour During Operation:
    • White
    • Installed in symmetrical pairs on both sides of the centreline
    • Extends from 30 m beyond threshold up to 900 m (or runway midpoint)
  • ADB SAFEGATE
  • OCEM
  • Hella

Threshold Lights

  • 12″
  • Elevated or inset
  • Spacing: 3 m to 4.5 m
  • Colour During Operation:
    • Green (as seen from approach direction)
    • Red (as seen from runway side — acts as runway end light)
  • ADB SAFEGATE
  • OCEM
  • Hella

Runway End Lights

  • 12″
  • Type: Elevated or inset
  • Spacing: Typically spaced equally across runway end
  • Colour During Operation:
    • Red (visible to aircraft on approach or during rollout from the opposite direction)
  • ADB SAFEGATE
  • OCEM
  • Hella

Approach Lighting System (ALS)

  • 12″
  • Type: Combination of elevated/inset lights and light bars
  • Spacing: Varies by system (e.g., ALSF-1, ALSF-2, SSALR)
  • Colour During Operation:
    • White (steady-burning lights)
    • Sequenced flashing lights (white) may be included (e.g., “the rabbit”)
  • ADB SAFEGATE
  • OCEM
  • Hella

Runway Guard Lights (RGL)

  • Type: Elevated or in-pavement
  • Spacing: At runway/taxiway intersections
  • Colour During Operation:
    • Flashing yellow
    • Used to warn of active runway ahead
  • ADB SAFEGATE
  • OCEM
  • Hella

Runway Threshold Identification Lights (RTILs)

  • 12″
  • Type: Inset/Elevated flashing lights
  • Spacing: Typically one light on each side of the runway threshold
  • Colour During Operation:
    • Flashing white
    • Helps identify threshold in low visibility/night conditions
  • ADB SAFEGATE
  • OCEM
  • Hella