Definition
Runways and taxiways that are not available for use for a limited period, marked on the surface with a raised yellow cross (lighted or unlighted) placed at each end of the closed segment. A temporarily closed runway is treated as unusable for takeoff or landing until the closure is lifted and the markings are removed.
Plain English
These are runways or taxiways that are shut for a while — maybe for repairs, snow clearing, or an event — and a yellow cross is placed at each end to tell pilots not to use them. Once the closure ends, the crosses are removed and the surface is back in service.
Context Anchor
You may see this in airport diagrams, notices to pilots, airport signs, or directly on the airport surface as markings or barricades.
Derivation
“Temporarily” comes from a root meaning “for a time.” “Closed” means shut off from normal use. Together, the phrase means the surface is unavailable for now, not removed from the airport permanently.
Why Pilots Care
Ensures pilots do not attempt to land or taxi on unusable surfaces, directly reducing the risk of runway incursions and accidents.
Intuition Check
Do not assume “temporarily closed” means “use it if it looks safe.” In airport use, it means the surface is officially unavailable until it is reopened.
Example Sentence 1
The NOTAM warned that Runway 09 was temporarily closed for resurfacing, and a lighted yellow cross was visible at each end during the night arrival.
Example Sentence 2
During taxi, the crew confirmed via NOTAM that the parallel taxiway was temporarily closed and routed around it using the designated alternate path.