Understanding Airport Runway Numbers and Codes

Airports use two main runway code systems: designation numbers and ICAO designator categories. Runway designation numbers are based on the magnetic compass heading, rounded to the nearest ten degrees and dropping the last digit. Since runways operate in both directions, each end has numbers 180 degrees apart (for example, 09 and 27). Parallel runways receive letters (L, C, R) such as 09L, 09C, and 09R. ICAO assigns code letters A to F based on aircraft wingspan and landing gear. Code A covers small planes up to 15 m wingspan, while Code F is for very large jets up to 80 m like the A380. Each category defines minimum runway width and length requirements. Runway Condition Codes (RCC) inform pilots about surface friction. A dry runway is rated 6, while a completely slippery surface (ice over snow) is rated 0. Intermediate scores from 5 down to 1 reflect increasing contamination and decreasing friction.

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