Plain English Meaning
A runway that is shut for the time being, not for good. You'll know it's temporarily closed because there's a big yellow X laid out at each end. Don't land on it or take off from it while the X is there.
Full Definition
Runways that are not available for use for a limited period, marked with a yellow cross (X) placed at each end of the runway. The yellow X indicates the runway is closed but may be reopened, distinguishing it from a permanently closed runway, which is marked with white painted Xs at each end and at intervals along its length.
Context Anchor
Pilots encounter this during preflight planning, while listening to airport information, while receiving tower instructions, or when seeing closed-runway markings on the airport surface.
Why Pilots Care
Using a temporarily closed runway can lead to runway incursions, damage to the aircraft, or violations of safety regulations.
Grounding Statement
A temporarily closed runway is still physically there, but for flight operations it should be treated as off-limits until reopened.
Intuition Check
Do not assume “temporarily” means “probably usable.” In this context, “closed” is the controlling word: the runway is not available until the proper authority reopens it.
Example Sentence 1
The NOTAM stated runway 27 was temporarily closed for resurfacing, and on arrival the pilot saw the yellow X confirming it.
Example Sentence 2
Yellow crosses painted on the pavement warned the crew that the runways were temporarily closed for resurfacing.