If a runway becomes not available, who should be advised?

• A. All aircraft on the surface that the runway is not available and coordinate alternate routings.
• B. Only the pilot on final approach.
• C. Only the tower staff.
• D. No one until further notice.

Answer: (A)

When a runway becomes unavailable, you must promptly advise all aircraft on the surface that the runway is not available and coordinate alternate routings. This keeps everyone aware of the closure so no aircraft taxiing or ready to depart or land uses the closed runway, and it allows you to direct traffic to safe, workable paths.

Informing all affected aircraft on the surface prevents confusion and potential runway incursions. Relying on just the pilot on final approach leaves other aircraft and ground vehicles unaware of the change, which can lead to unsafe movements or delays. It’s not solely a tower-staff communication task; pilots must receive the information to adjust their actions, and ground coordination helps implement the new routing and sequencing. Waiting for further notice increases risk and can cause unnecessary disruption, so the information should be shared as soon as the runway is unavailable, with clear instructions on alternate routes or runways.