Is it legal to cross an active runway without permission?

Crossing an active runway without permission is prohibited due to safety protocols established to protect personnel and aircraft. Active runways are critical areas where aircraft are taking off, landing, and taxiing, creating a significant risk of collision if unauthorized personnel or vehicles enter these zones.

Granting permission to cross an active runway is essential to ensuring that both air traffic and ground operations can proceed safely and efficiently. Air traffic controllers and runway safety managers are responsible for coordinating all movements on and around active runways, and any unauthorized crossings can severely disrupt operations and lead to accidents.

While emergency situations may necessitate quick actions, protocols typically require that any such crossing still be coordinated with the control tower. Thus, the paramount concern is always safety, making it illegal and highly dangerous to cross without proper authorization.