Every aircraft landing leaves behind more than just noise and turbulence—it also deposits rubber on the runway surface. This buildup, if not removed regularly, can reduce braking effectiveness, increase the risk of hydroplaning, and obscure important runway lights.
How and why rubber accumulates on runways
When an aircraft touches down, its tires are initially stationary. The sudden friction of contact with the runway brings them up to speed almost instantly, generating temperatures of around 500°F (260°C). This heat causes small amounts of rubber to melt and bond to the runway surface.
Over time, this buildup can create a smoother surface that reduces the necessary friction for braking, especially in wet conditions.
Measuring runway friction
Regular monitoring is essential to ensure safe landing conditions. Airports conduct friction tests using specialized vehicles fitted with a test wheel that measures grip levels along the runway. If friction falls below acceptable limits, cleaning teams are dispatched to remove the rubber.
How to actually remove rubber from a runway
Airports use high-pressure water blasting to strip rubber from the tarmac. Large trucks equipped with high-temperature water jets blast the surface, while vacuum systems collect the loosened debris. Unlike chemical methods used in the past, water blasting is more environmentally friendly and does not damage the runway surface.
Cleaning the runway lights
Rubber does not only affect the runway surface—it also reduces the brightness of runway edge and centerline lights. Pilots rely on these lights, especially in low visibility conditions, to align properly during landing. To clean them, airports use dry soda blasting, where workers spray fine soda powder at the light surfaces to remove rubber without damaging the lenses.
Time is money!
In commercial aviation, time is money. Runway maintenance teams work in short overnight windows between the last departure and the first morning arrival. Given the number of lights on a runway, it is not possible to clean them all in one night, so teams follow a rotating schedule, ensuring all lights are cleaned at least twice per week.
Regular rubber removal is a key part of runway maintenance that often goes unnoticed by passengers. Without it, landings would be more hazardous, braking distances longer, and nighttime operations riskier. As air traffic continues to grow, keeping runways clear remains a crucial part of ensuring flight safety.
Cover photo: CJMoeser, JetPhotos: https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/10681432
