Plain English Meaning
The runway the airport is using right now for landings and takeoffs.
Full Definition
The runway currently designated by ATC or airport advisory for arrivals and departures at a given airport. It is the runway pilots are expected to plan for unless otherwise instructed or unless they request a different one.
Context Anchor
Seen in airport information, weather broadcasts, clearances, and IFR arrival or departure planning when a pilot needs to know which runway traffic is using.
Why Pilots Care
Knowing the runway in use lets a pilot set up the correct approach, brief the right , and align with the traffic flow. Planning for the wrong runway can cause last-minute reconfiguration, conflicts with other traffic, or a .