FAA Seeks Runway Safety Lighting Innovations

FAA asks industry for smarter, cost-effective runway safety lighting to help prevent incursions and improve visibility at U.S. airports.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking new, affordable runway safety lighting systems to deploy at airports across the United States. The agency says the effort targets technology that improves pilot and air-traffic control awareness and reduces the risk of runway incursions and related accidents.

While the FAA did not attach a public timeline in the RFI, the move aligns with broader infrastructure upgrades aimed at handling rising air traffic volumes and tightening safety margins. The request explicitly covers solutions suitable for both commercial airliners and military aircraft operations at civilian airports, reflecting cross-sector safety priorities.

What the FAA is asking for: runway safety lighting

The RFI asks vendors to describe cost, scalability, maintenance needs, interoperability with current airfield systems, and measurable safety benefits. The FAA is particularly interested in lighting that enhances conspicuity in low visibility, integrates with Air Traffic Control (ATC) procedures, and can be installed without major pavement work.

Runway safety lighting that is energy-efficient, highly visible in fog or precipitation, and easy to maintain.
Systems that support interoperability with existing airport ground lighting and ATC communications.
Options that minimize installation disruption and lifecycle costs for smaller regional airports as well as large hubs.

Industry responses to the RFI will help shape any subsequent procurement, pilot programs, or performance-based specifications the FAA may adopt. Vendors typically provide technical specs, cost models, and case studies in response to RFIs so regulators can evaluate feasibility before issuing formal contracts or trials.

For travelers and airport communities, improved runway safety lighting could mean fewer delays caused by inspections after incursions and clearer guidance for crews operating in marginal weather. The FAA’s RFI is an early step; the aviation industry will be watching how quickly prototype systems move to field testing and wider adoption.