At Airport & Runway Markings, we provide precision-applied runway and airside marking services across the UK.

We are a specialist provider of high-visibility, aviation-grade surface markings designed for runways, taxiways, aprons, and other critical areas within airport environments. 

Our airport & runway markings ensures compliance with CAA and ICAO regulations while delivering durability and clarity under the most demanding operational conditions.

What Materials are Used to Line Mark Airports & Runways?

Airport and runway markings are essential for the safe and efficient movement of aircraft on the ground. These markings must be highly visible, weather-resistant, and durable under heavy loads.

Below are the main types of materials commonly used for airport and runway line markings:

• Thermoplastic Paint – Thermoplastic is a highly durable marking material made from synthetic resins, pigments, and reflective glass beads. Commonly used on runways and taxiways, it offers excellent adhesion and visibility, especially in high-traffic areas, and is known for its long service life.
• Preformed Thermoplastic (Tape) – This is a ready-made marking material in sheet or tape form that’s heat-bonded to the pavement. It allows for precise and consistent marking shapes, making it ideal for symbols or temporary designs.
• Epoxy Paint – Epoxy paint consists of two components that chemically cure to form a tough, chemically resistant coating. It’s used in areas where maximum durability is required, such as aircraft parking stands or vehicle-access zones.
• Water-Based Acrylic Paint – This environmentally friendly paint is made from acrylic resins dispersed in water. It’s easy to apply, fast-drying, and often used for taxiways, aprons, and temporary markings.
• Chlorinated Rubber Paint – Chlorinated rubber-based paint was traditionally used on airfields due to its strong adhesion and moderate durability. It forms a flexible coating that resists chemicals and weathering.
• Glass Beads – Glass beads are not a marking material themselves but are added to paints or thermoplastics to enhance retroreflectivity. When embedded into the surface, they reflect light back to pilots during night or low-visibility operations, improving the visibility of runway and taxiway lines significantly.
• Anti-Skid Additives – Materials such as fine grit, silica, or polymer particles are added to marking paint to increase surface friction. These additives are essential in high-speed exit taxiways, stopways, or any zones where traction is critical to prevent aircraft skidding during braking or sharp manoeuvres.

All these materials are selected based on durability, reflectivity, environmental compliance, and conformity to standards like ICAO Annex 14, UK CAA CAP 637, and BS EN 1436.

How much do Airport and Runway Markings Cost?

The average cost of airport and runway line marking services typically range from £0.38 to £1.40 per metre, depending on the complexity and specifications of the project .

The cost of airport and runway markings varies significantly based on factors such as project scope, materials used, and regional pricing.

What are the Benefits of Airport and Runway Markings?

Airport and runway markings provide critical visual guidance for pilots, ground crews, and air traffic controllers, supporting safe and efficient airfield operations. Their key benefits include:

• Enhanced Safety – Markings clearly define runways, taxiways, thresholds, holding points, and safety zones, reducing the risk of runway incursions, collisions, and misalignment during landing or take-off.
• Operational Efficiency – By directing aircraft and vehicles with precision, markings streamline ground movements, reduce taxi times, and support punctual departures and arrivals.
• Night and Low-Visibility Guidance – Reflective materials like glass beads improve visibility in low light, fog, or rain, enabling safe operations during poor weather or night-time conditions.
• Regulatory Compliance – Markings ensure adherence to international and national aviation standards (e.g. ICAO, CAA), supporting certification and operational approval of aerodromes.
• Pilot Situational Awareness – Consistent and well-maintained markings help pilots identify their location, orientation, and instructions at all times, especially in complex or congested airports.
• Ground Crew Coordination – Markings assist ground handlers and maintenance teams in navigating aprons, parking stands, and service zones safely and efficiently.
• Traffic Segregation – They separate aircraft from ground vehicles, designate no-entry zones, and control access routes, minimising the risk of interference or incidents.

Runway and airport line markings are vital infrastructure components that contribute directly to flight safety, airside efficiency, and compliance with aviation best practices.

How Often do Airport Markings Need Repainting?

Airport markings typically need repainting every 6 to 24 months, depending on surface wear, weather, and traffic intensity.

Similar to road lines on motorways, repainting cycles are determined by both visual clarity and performance standards.

Airports must comply with international standards, surface inspections are carried out regularly to monitor marking conditions.

Who Regulates Airport Markings in the UK?

Airport markings in the UK, including those at airports, are regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and must conform to ICAO Annex 14 and EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) standards.

Considering safety is paramount in aviation, markings must be designed, applied, and maintained according to precise technical criteria.

As runway length, width, slope, and lighting vary, regulatory bodies issue tailored guidance for different classes of aerodromes.

Are Runway Markings Reflective?

Runway markings are reflective to enhance visibility for pilots during low-light and adverse weather conditions.

Accurate navigation is critical during night-time landings, reflectivity is mandated in many international aviation guidelines.

As retroreflective glass beads are embedded into the surface, they catch light from aircraft landing systems and ground vehicles.

Comparable to reflective road markings, these additions improve safety and reduce reaction time under compromised visibility.

Can you Create Custom Apron or Taxiway Layouts?

Custom apron and taxiway layouts can be created in accordance with each airport’s master plan, safety regulations and ground operations strategy.

Each airport has unique stand configurations, gate access, and fuelling zones, layouts are tailored to match operational needs.

Considering apron markings control pushback routes, vehicle zones, and GSE (ground support equipment) placement, precision is key.

As incorrect layout can create operational delays or risk, design consultation is often part of the marking process.

Similar to architectural planning, airside layout design ensures that each square metre is optimised for function, compliance, and safety.

What Happens if Runway Markings are Incorrect or Missing?

Incorrect or missing runway markings pose serious operational risks, including runway incursions, misaligned landings, and near-misses.

Similar to faulty instrumentation, errors in surface markings can severely impact aviation safety and performance and also create dangerous confusion.

Due to the potential consequences, safety audits and emergency corrective actions are initiated if marking failures are identified.

Are Markings Resistant to Fuel, Oil, and Jet Blast?

Airport markings are formulated to resist aviation fuel, hydraulic fluid, oil, de-icing agents, and jet blast erosion.

Considering the breakdown of markings poses a safety risk, all materials are selected and tested based on chemical and abrasion resistance.

As jet engines generate intense heat and force, only certified coatings are approved for runway and apron use.

Comparable to hangar flooring systems, airfield markings are engineered for high-performance, high-impact environments.

How are Airport Markings Maintained?

Airport markings are maintained through regular inspections, scheduled repainting, cleaning, and friction testing.

As visibility and accuracy are critical, markings are routinely assessed using reflectometers and friction testers.

Since contamination from rubber build-up or oil reduces effectiveness, cleaning cycles are part of routine upkeep.

Considering airfield operations cannot be interrupted easily, maintenance is often done overnight or during short closures.

Do you Provide Markings for Helipads and Private Airstrips?

We can provide high-quality markings for helipads, private airstrips, and light aviation facilities.

Our services include design, surface preparation, and application using durable, reflective materials suited to your specific environment and operational needs.

Safety, visibility, and compliance are at the core of every marking we provide.

Find More Info

Make sure you contact us today for a number of great airport and runway marking services.

For more information on airport and runway markings, fill in the contact form below to receive a free quote today.