What are runway incursion events?

Runway incursion events refer specifically to the unauthorized presence of persons or vehicles on a runway. This can involve any situation where an aircraft or ground vehicle enters a runway without proper clearance from air traffic control, thereby posing a serious safety risk for both the incursion and any aircraft that are taking off or landing.

A runway incursion can result from various factors, including miscommunication or misunderstanding between pilots and air traffic control, but the essence of the term directly relates to that unauthorized presence.

Understanding this definition is vital for aviation safety, as runway incursions can lead to accidents or dangerous situations on the active runways. Awareness and effective communication protocols are key elements in preventing such incursions in busy airport environments.