Runway Comparator

Compare two airports side by side. Select any two airports to see their key details and access full runway information.

Airport A

Airport B

City
Country
Elevation
Coordinates

City
Country
Elevation
Coordinates

Attribute
Airport Name
Location
Elevation
Latitude
Longitude

Detailed runway data available on each airport page

Visit individual airport detail pages for complete runway information including length, width, surface type, and lighting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do runway numbers mean?

Runway numbers indicate the magnetic heading (direction) of the runway, divided by 10 and rounded to the nearest integer. For example, Runway 09 points roughly east (090 degrees), and Runway 27 points roughly west (270 degrees). Opposite ends of the same runway have numbers that differ by 18 (180 degrees).

What runway length is needed for commercial jets?

Typical runway requirements vary by aircraft: regional jets need about 1,500-2,000 m (5,000-6,500 ft), narrow-body jets like the 737 or A320 need 2,000-2,500 m (6,500-8,200 ft), and wide-body aircraft like the 777 or A380 need 2,500-3,500 m (8,200-11,500 ft). High altitude and hot temperatures increase the required length.

What is ILS and why does it matter?

ILS (Instrument Landing System) provides precise guidance for aircraft on approach in low-visibility conditions. CAT I allows landing with a 200 ft decision height and 550 m visibility. CAT III enables near-zero visibility operations. Airports with higher ILS categories experience fewer weather-related delays and cancellations.

What do the surface type codes mean?

Common surface types include ASP (asphalt), CON (concrete), GRE (gravel), GRS (grass), and TURF (turf). Major commercial airports use asphalt or concrete for their primary runways. Smaller airports may use gravel or grass surfaces, which limit operations to lighter aircraft.

Methodology

Runway data is sourced from OurAirports, a public-domain dataset that aggregates information from national aeronautical information publications (AIPs). Runway lengths and widths are displayed in both feet and meters. Surface types include asphalt, concrete, gravel, grass, and others. Lighting classifications follow ICAO standards (HIRL, MIRL, LIRL). ILS categories (CAT I, II, IIIa, IIIb, IIIc) indicate the precision approach capability of each runway end.