Aviation explained
Runway holding point signs explained
By the AvTags team · Updated
In short
- A runway holding point is where an aircraft must stop before entering a runway until air traffic control clears it.
- It is marked by a red sign with white text, which shows the runway designators, and yellow lines painted across the taxiway.
- Runway numbers are the magnetic heading divided by ten, so runway 23 points roughly south-west (230°).
- Holding points also have names like R1 or A1 so controllers can tell pilots exactly where to stop.
What is a runway holding point?
A runway holding point (called a runway holding position in the US) is the place on a taxiway where an aircraft must stop before it reaches the runway. It keeps taxiing aircraft clear of aircraft taking off and landing. Crossing it without permission is a serious safety event known as a runway incursion.
Controllers give instructions like “hold at R1 for runway 22” or “line up and wait runway 23R”. The pilot taxis to the named holding point, stops, and only moves onto the runway when cleared.
What do the red signs mean?
Airport signs follow a colour code agreed internationally through ICAO:
- Red background, white text: mandatory instruction. You must not pass without clearance. Runway holding point signs are this type.
- Black background, yellow text: location. Tells pilots which taxiway or holding point they are on, for example “A” or “R1”.
- Yellow background, black text: direction. Points the way to other taxiways and runways.
A typical holding point sign shows the runway designators either side of a dash, such as 05L-23R. The layout is meaningful: the number on the left tells pilots that runway end (its threshold) lies to their left, and the number on the right lies to their right.
How to read runway numbers
Runway numbers come from the runway’s magnetic heading, rounded and divided by ten. A runway pointing at 230° is runway 23. The same strip of tarmac used in the other direction points at 050°, so it is runway 05. That is why every runway has two numbers 18 apart, like 04/22 or 05/23.
Airports with parallel runways add a letter: L for left, R for right and sometimes C for centre, as seen by a pilot looking along the runway. Manchester’s two parallel runways are 05L/23R and 05R/23L.
MAN Airport Runway
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What do the yellow lines on the taxiway mean?
At the holding point, yellow lines are painted across the taxiway. The standard pattern is two solid lines and two dashed lines. Approaching from the taxiway side, an aircraft meets the solid lines first and must stop before them. Aircraft leaving the runway cross from the dashed side, which they are allowed to do.
Many airports also fit flashing yellow lights called runway guard lights, or red stop bars that controllers switch off when an aircraft is cleared to enter.
This guide is a general explanation for aviation fans, not training material. Pilots should follow the published charts and rules for each airport.
Why aviation fans love holding point designs
For pilots, a holding point is the last stop before take-off: the moment the checks are done and the flight is about to begin. For spotters, the signs are a shorthand for their home airport. That makes runway and holding point designs a favourite for keychains and prints. See more in our plane spotter gift guide.
Questions, answered
What does a red sign at an airport mean?
A red sign with white text is a mandatory instruction sign. At a runway holding point it means an aircraft must stop and not enter the runway until air traffic control clears it.
What does 23R mean on a runway?
The 23 means the runway points at about 230° magnetic. The R means it is the right-hand runway of a parallel pair, as seen from an aircraft lined up on it.
What is a holding point at an airport?
A marked position on the taxiway where aircraft must stop before entering a runway. Holding points are named, for example A1 or R1, so controllers can give precise instructions.
What is the difference between a holding point and a holding position?
They are the same thing. Holding point is the common UK and ICAO term; holding position is used in the US.
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