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.
Plain English
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.
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.