Those giant numbers painted on US runways are not random: They tell pilots the direction they’re facing, with Runway 18 pointing roughly south and 9 east

Economic Times - Sep 30, 2026

Runway numbers at airports serve as compass indicators that relay the direction of a runway. The numerical designations evolve in response to shifts in magnetic north and can be periodic in nature. Each runway has distinct numbers at either end, differing by 18 degrees. To maintain accuracy, airports may update runway numbers to reflect any magnetic shifts over time, enhancing safety for pilots during landings.

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