Runway Safety continues to be one of the FAA's highest priorities and encompasses pilots, air traffic controllers and airport vehicle drivers. 

What is a Runway Incursion? 

• Any occurrence at an aerodrome involving the incorrect presence of an aircraft, vehicle or person on the protected area of a surface designated for the landing and take-off of aircraft. 

Unfortunately, San Antonio International Airport has been among the Top 10 airports across the country with the highest number of runway incursions for the past 4 years. Although San Antonio runway incursion causal factors and trends vary greatly, some common causal factors across the country include: 

• Complex air traffic taxi instructions
• Pilot unfamiliarity with an airport
• Challenging airport geometry/Hot-Spots
• Pilot failure to review airport diagram prior to taxi
• Failure to comply with ATC instructions
• Language barriers
• Pilot/Controller read-back/hear-back errors 

In an effort to reduce runway incursions at San Antonio International Airport, the San Antonio air traffic control team is requesting that all pilots operating in and out of San Antonio International Airport exercise the highest level of cockpit situational awareness while taxiing to or from runways or while transiting any designated movement area. Additionally, it is requested that pilots clarify any air traffic communications or instructions that are unclear or questionable.  When in doubt, always ask. 

As a team of aviation professionals (pilots and controllers) committed to the highest level of situational awareness and attention to detail, we jointly hold the key towards effectively changing San Antonio International's runway incursion trends for the better.

The San Antonio air traffic control tower remains committed to providing the safest and most efficient air traffic service possible for users in and out of San Antonio International Airport.Our doors are alwaysopen for controller/pilot meetings, local air traffic familiarization briefings and to answer any questionsyoumayhave regardingSan Antonio airtrafficservices.