Airports deal with a constant, often invisible challenge: keeping runways clear of unauthorised traffic. Every year, hundreds of runway incursion events are recorded worldwide. Most of them are minor, but the consequences of a serious one can be devastating. That alone explains why aviation authorities continue to push for better visual aids at every taxiway-runway intersection.
Elevated runway guard lights, commonly known as «wig-wag» lights, are one of the most effective tools airports have to address this risk. Installed in pairs on either side of the taxiway holding position, they flash alternately in yellow to give pilots and ground vehicle operators an unmistakable signal: you are approaching an active runway.
At Airport Equipment Solutions (AES), we are the exclusive European distributor of Airsafe airfield lighting products, including the EUL-RG-LED elevated runway guard light. In this article, we want to share what makes this fixture a solid choice for airports of all categories, and why the shift to LED technology in runway guard lighting is more relevant than ever.
Why Runway Guard Lights Are a Priority for Airports Today
What Exactly Is a Runway Guard Light?
A runway guard light is a visual warning system placed at the point where a taxiway meets a runway. Its job is straightforward: make it impossible to miss the holding position. The elevated version consists of two unidirectional yellow lights that flash in an alternating pattern, creating a visual cue that is easy to recognise in any condition, day or night.
ICAO introduced the formal standard for runway guard lights back in 1995, and since then they have become a core element of airfield ground lighting worldwide. Airports are required to activate them whenever the runway visual range drops below 1,200 metres, though many choose to leave them on continuously for added safety.
Runway Incursions Are Still a Real Problem
Despite significant progress in recent years, runway incursions remain one of the most persistent safety concerns in aviation worldwide. ICAO classifies runway incursions among its five global high-risk categories of occurrences in its Global Aviation Safety Plan (GASP 2023-2025), and its 2025 Safety Report confirmed that runway incursion was again one of the four categories responsible for 25% of fatalities and 40% of fatal accidents in commercial aviation during 2024 (source: ICAO 2025 Edition Safety Report, published August 2025).
In Europe, the picture is equally concerning. According to data published by EUROCONTROL in its European Action Plan for the Prevention of Runway Incursions (EAPPRI), there are a minimum of two runway incursion events every day across the European region (source: EUROCONTROL, EAPPRI v3.0).
For airports across Europe looking to strengthen their incursion prevention measures, upgrading to modern LED runway guard lights is one of the most practical and cost-effective steps available.
Introducing the EUL-RG-LED by Airsafe
The EUL-RG-LED (our LED elevated runway guard lights) is a state-of-the-art LED elevated runway guard light designed and manufactured by Airsafe, a specialist in airfield ground lighting technology. Engineered for airports operating under CAT I, II, and III conditions, this fixture delivers dependable performance across every operational scenario, from low-visibility approaches to routine daytime operations.
Key Features That Set the EUL-RG-LED Apart
The EUL-RG-LED has been designed with a clear focus on durability, optical precision, and operational efficiency:
- Compact, lightweight design with a reduced wind-exposed surface area, minimising the impact of jet blast on the fixture and its mounting.
- Exclusive optical system based on a glass diffuser with inner refractive prisms. This design prevents dirt deposit on the optical surface, maintaining consistent light output over time.
- Reduced overall height to further limit
- exposure to jet blast and adverse weather conditions.
- Robust aluminium alloy body with anti-corrosion treatment and excellent thermal dissipation, ensuring reliable operation in extreme environments.
- Stainless steel hardware throughout, guaranteeing long-term waterproof integrity and corrosion resistance.
- Tool-free lamp access, enabling rapid maintenance and reducing airfield downtime during servicing.
- No re-adjustment required after lamp or optical component replacement — the prefocused design ensures consistent photometric performance from the moment a new component is installed.
- Interchangeable components compatible with all types of elevated unidirectional lights, simplifying inventory management for airport operators.
- Alternating flash rate of 45–50 flashes per minute, fully compliant with ICAO requirements.
- Integrated anti-glare visor for optimal visibility without light pollution.
Certifications and International Compliance
One of the things we appreciate most about the EUL-RG-LED is its comprehensive certification coverage. It meets the requirements of:
- ICAO Annex 14, Volume I (Aerodrome Design and Operations)
- FAA Advisory Circular AC 150/5345-28
- IEC-TS 61827 (Electrical installations for aerodrome lighting)
- EASA CS-ADR-DSN (Certification Specifications for Aerodrome Design)
- STANAG 3316 (NATO military aerodrome lighting standard)
This means you can specify the EUL-RG-LED with confidence for civilian airports, military airbases, and joint-use airfields across Europe and internationally.
Installation Options and Ease of Maintenance
The EUL-RG-LED supports several mounting configurations to suit different airfield layouts and infrastructure conditions. Standard options include mounting on a flange or on a 12-inch deep base. For locations without access to mains power, or where a portable solution is needed, a battery-powered version with a dedicated unit box is also available.
The order code system makes it easy to specify the exact variant you need:
- Type: EUL-RG (Elevated Runway Guard)
- Intensity: H (High)
- Light source: LED
- Power supply: 066 (6.6A), 036 (36 VDC), or CSB (6.6A + Battery)
- Colour: Y (Yellow)
- Optional: M (Single light fault detection)
Once installed, routine maintenance is genuinely simple. The tool-free lamp access means a technician can swap a lamp in minutes, and the prefocused optical design guarantees that photometric performance is restored automatically. No alignment, no calibration, no guesswork.
Dowload here the datasheet:
Why Choose AES as Your European Supplier
Airport Equipment Solutions (AES) is the exclusive European distributor of Airsafe airfield lighting products, including the EUL-RG-LED. Choosing AES as your supply partner means:
- Direct access to the full Airsafe product range, with technical documentation, photometric data, and compliance certificates available on request.
- Expert advisory services to help you select the right configuration for your specific airport category, power infrastructure, and environmental conditions.
- Competitive lead times for supply across Europe, with logistics support tailored to your project schedule.
- After-sales support, including spare parts availability and technical assistance for installation and maintenance teams.
Contact us today:
- Email: aes@aes-europe.com
- Phone: +00376 665572
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an elevated runway guard light? It is a pair of alternately flashing yellow lights installed on either side of a taxiway at the runway holding position. Their purpose is to warn pilots and vehicle drivers that they are approaching an active runway and need to hold until they receive ATC clearance.
Which airports need runway guard lights? They are required at airports operating in low-visibility conditions (RVR below 1,200 m) and strongly recommended for all airports with taxiway-runway intersections. The EUL-RG-LED is certified for use at CAT I, II, and III aerodromes.
Is the EUL-RG-LED ICAO compliant? Yes. It fully meets ICAO Annex 14 (Fig. A2-25) requirements, as well as FAA AC 150/5345-28, IEC-TS 61827, EASA CS-ADR-DSN, and STANAG 3316.
What does IP67 mean for this product? IP67 means the fixture is completely protected against dust ingress and can withstand temporary immersion in water up to 1 metre for 30 minutes. In practical terms, it is built to operate reliably in the harshest airfield environments.
Where can I buy the EUL-RG-LED in Europe? AES (Airport Equipment Solutions) is the exclusive European distributor of Airsafe products. Contact us at aes@aes-europe.com or call +00376 665572 to discuss availability, configurations, and pricing.
Does AES offer technical support? Absolutely. We provide full technical documentation, installation guidance, and after-sales support for every Airsafe product we supply.