Runway End Identifier Lights (REIL)

Runway End Identifier Lights (REIL) are installed at many airports to provide rapid and positive identification of the approach end of a particular runway. The system consists of a pair of synchronized flashing lights located laterally on each side of the runway threshold. REILs may be either omnidirectional or unidirectional facing the approach area.

They are effective for:

• Identification of a runway surrounded by a preponderance of other lighting.
• Identification of a runway which lacks contrast with surrounding terrain.
• Identification of a runway during reduced visibility.