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Runway Separation

Only one aircraft may occupy a runway at a time. Takeoff or landing clearance must not be issued if another aircraft is occupying the runway unless specific conditions allow otherwise.

A departing aircraft will not normally be cleared for takeoff until:

  • The preceding departing aircraft has crossed the end of the runway-in-use or has started a turn.
  • All preceding landing aircraft are clear of the runway-in-use.

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  • Takeoff clearance may be issued when there is reasonable assurance that prescribed separation will exist at the time of departure.
  • If an ATC clearance is required before takeoff, it must be transmitted and acknowledged before issuing the takeoff clearance.
  • The takeoff clearance must be issued when the aircraft is ready for departure and at or approaching the departure runway. The runway designator must be included to avoid misinterpretation.
  • An immediate takeoff clearance may be issued before the aircraft enters the runway, requiring the aircraft to taxi onto the runway and depart in one continuous movement.

A landing aircraft will not normally be permitted to cross the runway threshold unless:

  • The preceding departing aircraft has crossed the end of the runway-in-use or started a turn.
  • All preceding landing aircraft are clear of the runway-in-use.

To expedite traffic, a landing aircraft may be instructed to:

  • Hold short of an intersecting runway after landing.
  • Land beyond the touchdown zone. (Not applicable to HEAVY aircraft.)
  • Vacate the runway at a specified exit taxiway.
  • Expedite vacating the runway.

Controllers must consider aircraft type, runway length, exit locations, braking action reports, and weather conditions when issuing such instructions. If a pilot is unable to comply, they must inform ATC immediately.

When necessary, such as in low visibility, an aircraft may be instructed to report when it has vacated the runway. The report must be made after the entire aircraft is beyond the relevant runway-holding position.

Intersection runways

Departure - Departure

Arrival - Departure

Departure - Arrival

Arrival - Arrival

Simultaneous use of intersecting runways

Reduced runway separation 

Opposite direction

Three-minute wake turbulence separation for following aircraft:


Two-minute wake turbulence separation for opposite-direction take-off:


Two-minute wake turbulence separation for opposite-direction landing:

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