A runway incursion device (RID) serves a crucial role in airport safety. It provides both audible and visual alerts to air traffic controllers when a runway is not available for departing or landing aircraft. This device enhances situational awareness regarding occupied and closed runways. By November 2024, RID devices are set to be installed at five U.S. airports for operational evaluation. Following this, more than 70 additional airports will begin deploying these devices starting in 2025.
The RID is part of the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) surface safety portfolio, which includes three key tools designed to improve surface situational awareness. These tools were developed quickly after a series of notable runway incursions at U.S. airports in early 2023. The other two tools in this portfolio are the approach runway verification (ARV) and the surface awareness initiative (SAI). Together, they work to enhance safety and efficiency in airport operations.
