Airport marking services

ICAO Annex 14 sets the international standards for airport design and operations, including the layout, dimensions and colours of markings on runways, taxiways and aprons. It forms the basis for national and regional requirements for airport markings worldwide.

In Europe, ICAO requirements are implemented through EASA’s Certification Specifications for Aerodrome Design (CS-ADR-DSN). The specifications define how markings should be designed and applied at certified European aerodromes, and are applied by each country’s national aviation authority.

Airfield markings follow a consistent colour system so pilots can interpret them instantly. Runway markings are white, while taxiway, holding position and aircraft stand markings are yellow. Markings should be made with reflective materials to enhance visibility, and on light-coloured concrete, black borders can be used to improve contrast.

Markings cover large areas of the runway and must not create slippery patches for aircraft. All markings on paved runways should have friction values not less than the minimum friction level for the surrounding runway, with similar wet friction qualities to the surrounding paved surfaces. Glass beads and suitable materials help maintain both visibility and grip.

When runway or taxiway layouts change, old markings must be removed to avoid confusion. EASA specifies that when a runway, taxiway or portion thereof is permanently closed, all normal runway and taxiway markings should be physically removed. High-pressure waterblasting enables clean removal with minimal impact on the pavement.

Each airport has its own operational conditions, traffic levels and surface types. Marking materials, application methods and work schedules are therefore adapted to the requirements of the airport operator and the national aviation authority, often with work carried out during night-time closures to minimise disruption.

Airfield markings wear down over time from aircraft traffic, weather, de-icing and rubber removal. They should be renewed when visibility, colour or reflectivity no longer meets requirements, or when the airport layout changes.

The choice depends on surface type, traffic loads, climate, required service life and how much downtime the airport can accept. Fast-drying paints are often preferred on runways, while more durable materials may be used in high-wear areas such as aprons and aircraft stands.

Runway markings are white and show elements such as thresholds, centre lines, touchdown zones and runway designations. Taxiway markings are yellow and guide aircraft between runways, aprons and stands, including holding positions where aircraft must stop before entering a runway.

On light-coloured concrete surfaces, white and yellow markings can be difficult to see. Black contrast borders make the markings stand out more clearly, improving visibility for pilots.

Yes. Worn or outdated markings can be removed using high-pressure waterblasting, which creates a clean base for new markings with minimal impact on the pavement. When areas are permanently closed, old markings should be physically removed to avoid confusion.

Markings must not create slippery areas on the runway. Their friction should be comparable to the surrounding surface, which is achieved through suitable materials and the use of glass beads.

No. Marking layouts, dimensions and materials vary depending on runway type, aircraft size, surface and local requirements. All markings must comply with ICAO standards and, in Europe, EASA specifications applied by the national aviation authority.