Definition
Two or more runways at the same airport whose centerlines are parallel to each other. They are identified by the same runway number followed by a letter — L (left), C (center), or R (right) — to tell them apart, for example Runway 27L and Runway 27R.
Plain English
Two or more runways at one airport that point in the same direction and run side by side. Letters like L, C, and R are added to the runway number so pilots and controllers know which one they mean.
Context Anchor
You will see this term on airport diagrams, runway signs, air traffic control clearances, and procedures at airports with more than one runway in the same direction.
Derivation
Parallel comes from Greek roots meaning “beside one another.” That fits the aviation use: the runways lie beside each other and run in the same direction.
Why Pilots Care
Increases airport capacity and reduces delays by allowing simultaneous operations under visual or instrument conditions.
Analogy
Think of two straight roads laid side by side, both heading the same way. They are separate roads, but they run alongside each other.
Intuition Check
Do not assume “parallel runways” means pilots can use either one interchangeably. Each runway is a separate runway, and the Left, Right, or Center letter matters.
Example Sentence 1
Tower cleared us to land on Runway 27R, while another aircraft was on final for the parallel runway 27L.
Example Sentence 2
During peak hours the airport uses its parallel runways to handle both arrivals and departures at the same time.