Types of Runway

Runways are the designated paths where aircrafts takes off, lands and taxies. Runways are laid 

out according to the numbers on a compass where 0 & 360 is north, 90° is East, 180° is South, 

and 270° is West. A runway's compass direction is indicated by a large number painted at the 

end of each runway 

 

Simple runway picture:

Basically there are four types of runways:

1. Single runway

2. Parallel runway

3. Open V-runways

4. Intersection runways

Single Runway

This is a runway optimally positioned for prevailing wind, noise, land use and other determining

factors and should accommodate 42 to 53 operations per hour.

Parallel Runway

Here further four types of runway are possible depending on how closely they are placed next to

each other that should accommodate 64 to 128 operations per hour

Open – V Runways

Two runways that diverge from different directions but do NOT intersect form a shape that looks

like an "open-V" are called open-V runways and are used when there is little to no wind as it

allows for both runways to be used at the same time. When the winds become strong in one

direction, then only one runway will be used.

Intersecting Runways

Two or more runways that cross each other are classified as intersecting runways. This type of

configuration is used when there are relatively strong prevailing winds from more than one

direction during the year. When the winds are strong from one direction, operations will be limited

to only one runway.

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