How does runway access management work in Touchway?
Control, monitor, and automate vehicle access to operational runways using real-time flight data and runway incursion prevention mechanisms.
The Runways – Runway Access Control feature was designed to help airports safely manage vehicle access to runway areas.
Using this feature, operational teams can authorize or revoke vehicle access to specific runways in real time, ensuring that only approved vehicles can enter critical airside areas.
The goal is to improve operational safety and reduce the risk of runway incursions involving vehicles and aircraft.
How access control works
Authorized vehicles are displayed in the platform together with their current authorization status.
Operational teams can:
- Authorize vehicle access to a specific runway.
- Revoke previously granted access.
- View which vehicles currently have active authorization.
- Identify available and occupied runways.
Access permissions can be managed directly through the platform.
Runway operational status
The platform continuously monitors runway conditions.
Displayed statuses may include:
- Active
- Inactive
- Occupied
- Landing operation
- Takeoff operation
The system also displays the aircraft associated with the runway activity whenever applicable.
Real-time flight data integration
The system uses ADS-B and MLAT data collected through Touchway infrastructure installed at the airport.
This allows the platform to identify situations such as:
- Aircraft approaching
- Aircraft landing
- Aircraft on the runway
- Aircraft taxiing
- Aircraft beginning takeoff roll
- Aircraft taking off
These events are used to support operational decisions and improve runway safety.
Runway incursion prevention
When the platform identifies a potential conflict between an aircraft and a vehicle operating near a runway, automated warning mechanisms may be triggered.
Examples include:
- Vehicle entering an occupied runway.
- Vehicle remaining on a runway during aircraft approach.
- Vehicle remaining on a runway during takeoff operations.
- Potential aircraft-to-vehicle conflicts.
When configured, alerts may be sent to:
- Drivers
- Supervisors
- Operations centers
- Runway management teams
These alerts help reduce operational risk and improve situational awareness.
Operational monitoring
The Runways screen provides a consolidated operational view including:
- Airport runways
- Authorized vehicles
- Vehicles operating near runway areas
- Runway status
- Aircraft activity
- Upcoming relevant flights
This enables operational teams to monitor critical activity from a single interface.
Important information
- Runway Access Control is an advanced Touchway platform feature.
- Access authorization and revocation should be managed by designated operational personnel.
- Feature availability depends on the required infrastructure being installed at the airport.
- Operational alerts depend on the organization’s configuration.
- Monitoring is performed using real-time data sources.
Requirements
To use Runway Access Control, airports must have Touchway aviation monitoring infrastructure installed.
This infrastructure includes:
- Touchway ADS-B receivers
- Touchway MLAT infrastructure
- Adequate airport coverage
This allows the platform to receive aircraft data directly from airport-installed infrastructure without relying exclusively on third-party flight tracking providers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can authorize vehicle access to a runway?
Users and operational teams responsible for runway management, according to platform permissions.
Does the system automatically block runway access?
The platform continuously monitors operational conditions and supports runway safety procedures through alerts and operational workflows.
How does Touchway know when an aircraft is on the runway?
Through airport-installed ADS-B and MLAT infrastructure that provides real-time aircraft position and movement data.
Does this feature depend on FlightAware or other third-party services?
No. Touchway can operate using its own ADS-B and MLAT infrastructure installed at the airport.
What happens when there is a runway incursion risk?
The platform may generate operational alerts for drivers and managers, allowing immediate action to avoid hazardous situations.