What do Runway End Identifier Lights (REIL) provide?

Runway End Identifier Lights (REIL) are specifically designed to enhance the safety of aircraft approaches to a runway by providing a rapid and positive identification of the runway threshold. These lights are particularly important in conditions of low visibility, as they help pilots to quickly recognize where the runway begins. This identification is critical in ensuring that pilots can make appropriate decisions for landing, especially at unfamiliar airports or during nighttime operations.

The use of REIL significantly improves situational awareness and aids in the transition from the approach phase of flight to landing, thereby reducing the risk of accidents. While other lighting systems may indicate runway dimensions or serve different purposes, such as warning signals or maintenance activities, the primary function of REIL is solely focused on marking the runway's ending point for approaching aircraft.