Airport lighting and LED light fixture upgrade solutions

Airport lighting and LED light fixture upgrade solutions

 

Introduction to Airport Lighting

The airport environment is complex and has more strict control and meaning for security. So the accuracy and performance of lighting has to be both. Whether arriving at dawn or departing late at night, airport lighting controls safe passage on the ground and in the air: guiding pilots off the runway, guiding ground crews between gates and keeping passengers on the ground.

Well designed airside lighting at airports is not an afterthought - it’s a key infrastructure element that requires exacting standards, robust hardware and intelligent control. In this guide we look at why lighting is important on the tarmac, how LED is changing everything and which COMLED light fixtures are leading the way in terms of reliability and efficiency.

 

The Role of Lighting in Airside Safety

Safety on the airside is all about visibility. Clear, consistent lighting:

  • Defines movement areas, so that pilots can see the boundaries of runways, taxiways and aprons even in rain and fog.
  • Highlights obstacles, from ground vehicles and wildlife to reduce the risk of collisions or runway incursions.
  • Guides ground personnel, so baggage handlers and refuelling crews can do their jobs without mistakes under bright, uniform lighting.

Research shows that inadequate apron lighting is correlated with a 30% increase in ground service incidents . Plus, every minute saved during taxiing saves carriers about $75. So optimized lighting not only saves lives but also boosts operational efficiency .

By meeting ICAO Annex 14 standards for runway and apron luminance, airports create a barrier against errors—whether it’s a wrong turn in low visibility or a misread taxi sign. It’s this precise choreography of light that underpins every takeoff and landing.

 

Transition to LED: Benefits for Airports

The shift from traditional technologies (incandescent, halogen or high pressure sodium) to LEDs has transformed airport lighting in three ways:

  1. Energy Efficiency & Cost Savings
    LEDs use 60-80% less energy. For a medium-sized airport, savings of more than $200,000 per year can be realized in electricity costs alone.
  2. Longer Lifespan & Less Maintenance
    A typical airport LED light fixture will last more than 50,000 hours before lumen degradation occurs. This is 3-5 times longer than traditional light fixtures, reducing maintenance downtime and dramatically lowering the average cost of ownership of the lighting fixtures.
  3. Better Light & Control
    LED light fixtures have high color rendering index (CRI ≥ 80) and maintain stable output in extreme temperatures. Instant-on and adaptive control (dimming or sequencing) means airports can adjust brightness to visibility conditions or gate schedules, saving power and improving safety.

In short, the LED upgrade is worth the investment.

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COMLED Airport-Grade Solutions Overview

COMLED offers airport-grade LED fixtures designed for airside applications:

  • Vapor-Tight & Weatherproof High Bays
    IP65-67 housings withstand jet blast, heavy wash-downs and corrosion, perfect for hangars and maintenance bays.
  • Tri-Proof Strip Lights
    Dustproof, waterproof and impact-resistant, these linear fixtures provide uniform lighting above baggage claim carousels and cargo handling areas.
  • Low-Bay Industrial LEDs
    These light fixtures are designed for spaces less than 6 meters in height, such as shuttle bus parking lots and service corridors and have a slim profile with high luminous efficacy (120-150lm/W) and selectable CCT (3000-6000K).
  • Waterproof Flood & Canopy Lights
    The integration of high-efficiency SMD LEDs and an external polycarbonate housing provides bright, even illumination and greatly enhances apron security and nighttime visibility of the gate area.

All products are UL/DLC/CE listed and meet ICAO and FAA photometric requirements. Modular drivers, quick-connect power outlets and optional microwave or PIR sensors make installation, monitoring and maintenance easy so your airport lighting is on time and on budget.

 

Airport Boarding Gates Lighting

Transition areas such as boarding gates and baggage handling areas are high traffic and operational 24/7. Lighting not only guides passengers to board safely but also improves airport operations.

Weatherproof Canopy Lights at Boarding Gates

These lights mount under protective covers to maintain consistent lighting in noisy and chaotic environments.COMLED’s all-weather ceiling lights have IP66 rated housings to withstand rain, snow and dust.

The curved polycarbonate lens provides a soft, wide angle beam that minimizes shadows on sidewalks and boarding bridges. In practical applications this uniformity helps passengers measure step heights accurately and reduces the risk of trips and falls in wet conditions.

The thermally optimized Steel batten light body dissipates heat efficiently and maintains LED output even in summer or sub-zero winter. With up to 150 lm/W they consume half the power of metal halide lamps and save operating costs for dozens of gates.

Tri‑Proof Strip Lights for Baggage Handling Areas

Tri-Proof batten lights, Tri‑Proof Strip Lights for Baggage Handling AreasBehind the scenes baggage handling and sorting areas run 24/7. Here Tri-Proof batten lights - named for their water, dust and corrosion resistance - provide visibility.

COMLED’s batten light has an IK08 impact diffuser and IP65 seals to resist oil splashes, cleaning sprays and airborne debris on conveyor belts. 120° of smooth beam spreads light evenly across the sorting tables and roller conveyor, helping workers to see labels and tags.

High output SMD LEDs up to 140 lm/W ensure that light never falls below safety thresholds even on corner shelves. Best of all these lights support 0-10 V dimming and motion activation so lighting adjusts to activity levels - bright when sorting is in progress, dimming when quiet - to maximize energy efficiency and lamp life.

Tool-free end caps and replaceable driver modules make maintenance a breeze. Baggage handlers can replace faulty modules in under 2 minutes without disrupting nearby operations, keeping workflow continuous and on-time at airports.

 

Hangar & Maintenance Bay Lighting

Hangars and maintenance shops are where aircraft are maintained and lighting is top priority. These spaces are huge and cluttered and need light fixtures that balance power, durability and ease of use.

Low‑Bay LED Fixtures for Hangar Interiors

Hangar ceilings are 4–6 m high—too low for industrial high bays yet too high for domestic fixtures. Low‑bay LED fixtures bridge that gap:

  • Slim, surface‑mount design: Keeps the headroom clear, no conflicts with cranes and hoists.
  • High efficacy (120–140 lm/W): 300–500 lux on work surfaces without overheating.
  • Selectable color temperature: Managers can choose 4000 K for inspection light or 5000 K when tasks demand maximum contrast.
  • Durable housing: Powder‑coated Steel withstands solvent fumes, oil mist and occasional bumps from equipment.
  • Plug‑and‑play wiring: Reduces downtime for fixture replacement—critical when aircraft schedules loom.

In one regional hangar retrofit, swapping out fluorescents for COMLED low‑bays cut energy use by 55% and almost eliminated lamp failure service calls over 18 months.

High‑Bay Industrial LEDs for Large‑Volume Spaces

Some maintenance areas, especially paint shops or major overhaul bays, have 8–12 m rafters. Here, high‑bay LEDs rule:

  • Modular arrays deliver up to 40,000 lumens per fixture—waterfall bright from above.
  • Advanced optics focus light into 30°–60° beams, blasting through height to create well‑lit inspection pits.
  • Thermal management fins keep junction temperatures down, 80% brightness at 50,000 hours.
  • Tri‑proof versions (IP65/IK10) for chemical wash‑downs and service lift impacts.Vapor‑tight battens, Vapor‑Tight Battens for Wash‑Down Areas

Vapor‑Tight Battens for Wash‑Down Areas

In the parts cleaning zone or engine wash bay, mist and cleaning agents attack every surface. Vapor‑tight battens are sealed to IP66:

  • Gasketed polycarbonate diffuser: Keeps interiors dry even under jet spray nozzles.
  • Corrosion‑resistant stainless steel clips: No rust where water pools.
  • Quick release end caps: Technicians can swap out drivers or LEDs without tools—no more crawling under benches to fish wiring.
  • Emergency rated: Compliant with regulations.

So your team can work on the engine. Not the mess. Not downtime.

 

Airport Parking Garage & Ground Transportation

Passengers want a seamless journey—including well lit garages, shuttles and drop off zones. The right lighting here boosts safety and brand.

IP66 Wraparound LED Lights for Garage Lanes

These wraparound fixtures deliver consistent, glare free light:

  • IP66 rated housings resist car exhaust, drips and steam from de-icing vehicles.
  • Uniform light eliminates harsh shadows that can hide trip hazards or vehicle damage.
  • Low profile allows clearance for large ground service vehicles.
  • Selectable output (40-60W) lets facility managers dial in just the right amount of light and avoid energy waste.

In a multi-level garage test, installing wraparound LEDs reduced slip and fall incidents by 30% and driver complaints about dark corners almost disappeared.

Tri-Proof Low-Bay Lights for Shuttle Bays

Shuttle loading areas are often outdoors under canopies with high traffic and occasional sprinkler spray. Tri-proof low-bays handle:

  • Dust, moisture and impact (IP65/IK09) no problem.
  • Quick-mount brackets for fast replacement during off-peak hours.
  • Integrated microwave sensors for motion-activated lighting, saving 25% energy overnight.

These lights make sure every passenger sees the shuttle steps clearly - rain or shine.

Weatherproof LED Battens for Covered Walkways

Long covered walkways between terminals require linear fixtures that never fail:

  • Slim LED lamps with silicone-sealed diffusers, protection class IP66.
  • Linkable build supports 16+ light fixtures running continuously with no dark gaps.
  • Emergency backup modules tucked inside end-caps, keeping egress routes lit if power fails.

Airports that installed these Battens saw a 40% reduction in pedestrian accidents along corridor transitions - proof that simple, weatherproof lighting makes a big difference.

 

Terminal Interior & Service Corridors Lighting

Inside the airport, lights guide passengers and staff, balancing ambiance and sightlines.

Low-Profile Vapor-Tight Lights for Baggage Claim

In areas where luggage spills and cleaning crews are present, sealed luminaires are a must:

  • Vapor-tight wraparounds (IP65) prevent water drips and solvent-based cleaners.
  • Matte finishes reduce glare on polished floors.
  • 3000K CCT keeps the area welcoming despite heavy foot traffic.

Baggage handlers report better visibility, faster offloading and fewer trips due to wobbly trolleys.

Industrial LED Wall-Mount Solutions in Back-of-House

Engineering corridors and service halls need reliable surface-mounted lighting:

  • Wall-mount low-bays at 150lux ensure safe access to control rooms and panel banks.
  • Robust housings withstand equipment carts.
  • Plug-in sensor modules turn lights off after hours, saving 20% on utility bills.

Staff don’t have to fumble for switches during pre-dawn maintenance checks – sensors turn on lights as they enter.

Emergency-ready LED Battens, Emergency-Ready LED Battens in Service Halls

Emergency-Ready LED Battens in Service Halls

Safety codes require lighting even if the grid goes down. Emergency-ready LED Battens combine:

  • Self-test battery packs that deliver 90 minutes at reduced wattage.
  • Sealed, narrow-profile diffusers for mounting above exit doors.
  • Tool-free access for quick battery swap-outs during routine checks.

During a recent power outage drill, these Battens guided staff through corridors without confusion – proving the value of integrated emergency lighting.

 

Airport Lighting Control and Automation

Modern airports need lights that can go into standby or power-saving mode when idle on the tarmac, warn of failures and provide emergency lighting without human intervention. comled’s control suite makes every light fixture part of an intelligent network.

Sensor Dimming for Waterproof Light Fixtures

Imagine an apron area that goes down to 30% brightness when in “idle” mode and then back to full brightness when an aircraft is taxiing into the apron. This is where the microwave or PIR sensors in IP66 rated light fixtures come in.

  • Adaptive Energy Savings: Sensors cut idle-time power by up to 40%, that’s a lot of fuel-burn reduction across thousands of hours.
  • Maintained Seal Integrity: COMLED embeds sensors behind gasketed caps – no drilling or retrofit work that could compromise the waterproof housing.
  • Customizable Profiles: You decide the dwell time and dim levels – so floodlights near gates are mildly lit at night and taxi-lane lights snap on at 100% when needed.

By putting sensors in the light fixtures, maintenance personnel save money and labor costs by installing smart dimming without the need for additional conduit or control cabinets.

Networked Monitoring and Control of Airside Lighting

No more walking the entire airfield to find a dead lamp. COMLED’s IoT-ready modules tie each tri-proof or alloy low-bay into a central dashboard:

  • Real-Time Status: Triggers instant alerts for channel failures, out-of-range water flow, or broken seals.
  • Scheduled Ramping: Approach lights can pre-heat to full output 10 minutes before the first departure and then roll back to energy-saving mode at the end of operations.
  • Data-Driven Maintenance: Power draws, on/off cycles and ambient-light levels feed into analytics – so you know which fixtures need proactive service.

This makes everything more reliable: every runway, taxiway and ramp light becomes a node in an automated network.

Emergency Modules and Self-Tests in Tri-Proof Lighting

When the power goes out, airports rely on battery-backed luminaires to guide crews and passengers. COMLED’s self-testing emergency modules in IP65 tri-proof lights bring true “fit-and-forget” confidence:

  • Automated Health Check: Monthly and annual self-test cycles check battery capacity and driver function – log results for audit trails.
  • Hot-Swap Design: If a battery or emergency driver fails, technicians replace just that module, not the entire fixture, and preserve the tri-proof seal.
  • Seamless Integration: These modules fit behind the same gasketed covers as standard drivers – no extra cutouts, no compromise on dust- and moisture-resistance.

With COMLED tri-proofs, emergency readiness is not an afterthought – it’s built into every light.

 

Technical Specs and Ratings of Airfield Lights

Tough environments demand tough specs. From IP to photometry, each rating ensures your airfield lighting system meets the codes and performs under stress.

Ingress Protection for Airports (IP65–IP67)

Airside and landside fixtures face rain, runway spray and jet-blast moisture:

  • IP65 seals out dust and low-pressure water jets—good for most terminal interiors and sheltered aprons.
  • IP66 handles high-pressure washdowns—essential for fuel-service areas and outdoor canopies.
  • IP67 adds short submersion proofing—where standing water might accumulate after monsoon downpours.

COMLED fixtures are rated to these levels, tested to standards that mimic real-world airport wash operations.

Impact Resistance near Ground Equipment (IK08/IK10)

Baggage carts, tow bars and service vehicles bump into lights. To survive:

  • IK08 withstands 5 joules of impact—equivalent to a 1.7kg mass dropped from 300mm.
  • IK10 endures 20 joules—think sledgehammer tests, so fixtures in high-traffic zones don’t shatter.

COMLED’s tri-proof and high-bay housings achieve IK10, protecting against accidental knocks and deliberate vandalism.

Optical Criteria: Lumens, Beam Angle, CRI & CCT

Precision illumination depends on four pillars:

  1. Lumen Output: From 2,000lm in low-bay fixtures to 20,000lm in floodlights—matching required lux targets.
  2. Beam Angle: Narrow beams (15-30°) in runway guard lights; wide distributions (110-140°) in Airport interior fixtures
  3. Color Rendering Index (CRI): ≥80 for general use; ≥90 in merchandising or inspection zones.
  4. Color Temperature (CCT): 4000K for neutral white; 5000K+ for runway-edge definition; tunable CCT options for mixed-use areas.

By matching each product’s photometric file to ICAO lux guidelines, COMLED ensures glare-free, uniform coverage exactly where pilots, ground crew and passengers expect it.

 

LED Light Fixture Installation and Maintenance

Even the best spec won’t last if installed or serviced poorly. These COMLED-approved practices keep airport lighting performing mile after mile.

Installation Specifications for Low Bay and Vapor-Tight Fixtures

  • Mounting Heights: Low bays at 3–6m, vapor-tight battens at 2.5–4m ensure optimal beam spread without hot spots.
  • Sealing Practices: Apply manufacturer-supplied silicone sealant at junction box flanges to augment IP66 ratings.
  • Alignment & Torque: Fasteners torqued to spec (check datasheet) prevent gasket over-compression or under-seal—critical in tri-proof lights.

Installation is as much about following torque curves as it is about choosing the right brackets.

Seal Integrity Checks and Gasket Replacement

Airport fixtures expand and contract from -20°C early-morning starts to 50°C sun-baked ramps:

  • Biannual Inspections: Visually inspect gaskets for cracking or hardening—especially after annual deep-clean washdowns.
  • Gasket Swap Kits: OEM replacement gaskets preserve IP/IK ratings; don’t substitute generic seals or performance drops off dramatically.
  • Lubrication & Cleaning: Use silicone-safe wipes; avoid petroleum-based solvents that degrade gasket polymers.

Regular checks prevent small leaks from becoming fixture failures during peak hours.

Modular Driver and Sensor Replacement Procedures

Downtime at an international airport can cost thousands per minute. COMLED’s modular approach minimizes outages:

  • Quick-Release Driver Trays: Slide-out trays allow field swaps without disassembling the entire housing.
  • Pre-configured Sensor Modules: Plug-in microwave or photocell units click into a sealed port—no rewiring needed.
  • On-Hand Spares: Keep a small stock of LEDs, drivers and sensors on site; hot-swap in under 15 minutes.

By replacing only the failed component, you retain the fixture’s original IP/IK rating and avoid a full teardown.

 

Compliance and Certification of Airport Light Fixtures

No compromise on compliance—airports demand proven performance in extreme conditions.

ICAO and FAA Standards for Apron and Hangar Lighting

LED weatherproof batten light fixtures CE Certification exampleICAO Annex 14 Volume 1 specifies photometric requirements for apron edge and floodlighting—minimum lux levels, uniformity ratios and color coding for safety areas. FAA Advisory Circular 150/5345-46 details lamp intensity, beam spread and mounting heights for hangar interiors so crews have glare-free, high CRI lighting for maintenance tasks. COMLED fixtures exceed both these standards, with photometric diagrams and IES files available for certifiers and engineers to review.

UL/DLC/CE Approvals for COMLED Airport Light Fixtures

Beyond aviation bodies, COMLED’s airport grade products have UL 1598 for wet locations, DLC Premium for utility rebates and CE marking for global market access. These certifications mean our Vapor Tight and Weatherproof lights can withstand moisture, shock and voltage variations typical in apron and hangar environments. DLC Premium also means top tier efficacy—important when airports track energy performance and pursue green building points.

Airport Authority Approval Process

Local aerodrome authorities often require on-site photometric validation and endurance testing. Typically applicants submit technical files—IES/LM-79 reports, wiring diagrams and installation guides—for initial review. Then a field trial with pilot kits demonstrates real-world performance under runway wash-down, vehicle traffic and emergency blackout scenarios. Successful trials result in formal sign-off and COMLED’s solutions can be added to the permanent lighting inventory.

 

 

Airport Lighting Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

Upgrading to LEDs turns electrical loads into cost savings—and reduces carbon footprint across airport operations.

LED Retrofit: Cost and Carbon Savings for Airports

1,000 250W metal halides replaced with 80W Industrial LEDs saves over 1.7 million kWh per year, $204,000 in energy costs and 900 tons of CO₂.

ROI is typically 18-24 months due to lower wattage, reduced ballast losses and no lamp change labor. Longer lifetimes up to 54,000 hours means fewer outages and minimal maintenance disruptions to flight schedules.

Solar Ready and Microgrid Lighting

Remote airBattens and ground power areas use Solar Ready fixtures whose drivers accept DC input from PV arrays or battery banks. During utility outages, microgrid compatible lights switch to battery power and keep apron and taxiway lighting and guidance alive. This hybrid approach accelerates decarbonization while keeping safety lighting on.

 

Airport Light Customization and Procurement

Every airport has unique lighting needs - COMLED's factory direct model allows you to commission with confidence, offering the best price. There's also no need for the headache of customizing product features.

Customizing Lumen Output, Beam Angle and CCT

Need extra emergency lighting in a busy passenger space? Specify emergency led lights.
Need wider illumination in an aisle area? Choose from 120° beam distribution.
Adjustable CCT (2700-6500 K) ensures a glare-free white or warm color for check-in desks.
These options are pre-configured and require no field modifications.

Factory Direct Model: Lead Times and Volume Pricing

Skip middlemen. COMLED’s direct supply chain means 3–5 weeks lead times on standard models, and 6–8 weeks on custom specs—regardless of whether you order 100 or 1,000 units.
Tiered volume pricing rewards bulk orders, trimming fixture cost by up to 20% on large-scale apron projects.

Test Kits and Field Trials for Aprons and Hangars

Before committing, airports can borrow pilot kits—complete with a representative mix of Vapor Tight, Low Bay, and Floodlight fixtures.
On-site trials confirm photometric coverage, sensor integration, and ease of installation—helping you finalize the full lighting plan with confidence.

 

Equip Your Airport Lighting and Get Started!

Key Takeaways from Airport Lighting

  • Certify early: Align fixtures with ICAO/FAA specs and local authority rules.
  • Go LED: Energy, carbon, and maintenance savings add up fast.
  • Customize upfront: Factory pre-configuration prevents costly field changes.

Evaluating and Selecting COMLED Airport Light Fixtures

Review your lighting plan against COMLED’s product matrix—match low-bay, flood, or tri-proof options to each operational zone.
Use photometric simulations and pilot trials to fine-tune beam patterns and CCT.

Contact COMLED for a Customized Airport Lighting Solution

Ready to lift your airfield’s safety, efficiency and sustainability? Get in touch with COMLED’s airport lighting experts for bespoke proposals, sample kits and full project support—so your next lighting upgrade takes off smoothly.