Temporarily Closed Runways and Taxiways. To provide a visual indication to pilots that a runway is temporarily closed, crosses are placed on the runway only at each end of the runway. The crosses are yellow in color.

To tell if a runway is closed, pilots and ground crew look for both physical visual markers and official digital notifications. The most definitive visual signal is a large yellow "X" placed at each end of the runway, which may be a permanent painted marking for long-term closures or a portable lighted "X" for temporary or nighttime shutdowns. If the runway is closed, its designated lighting systems—such as the Runway End Identifier Lights (REILs) and Precision Approach Path Indicators (PAPIs)—will be turned off to prevent accidental approaches. Digitally, pilots must check the NOTAMs (Notices to Air Missions), which provide the legal and operational status of all airport surfaces. In 2026, many modern "Electronic Flight Bag" apps used by pilots also highlight closed runways with red shading on digital taxiway diagrams. Additionally, Air Traffic Control (ATC) will explicitly broadcast the closure over the ATIS (Automatic Terminal Information Service) frequency. It is critical for safety that these markers are respected, as landing on a closed runway can result in collisions with maintenance equipment or aircraft that are not following a standard traffic pattern.