Reduced Runway Separation H24 at DXB

Flying to Dubai International Airport? Are you aware of new rules regarding RRSM?

Dubai Air Traffic Control is expanding the application of Reduced Runway Separation Minima (RRSM) to 24 hours a day. Previously it had been adopted during daytime hours only. However, this is subject to specific conditions. The RRSM procedure will enhance capacity at the international airport.

Air Traffic Control may apply RRSM in the following instances:
• Between a departing aircraft and a landing aircraft using a single runway (the most likely use)
• Between two successive landing aircraft / departing aircraft

According to Dubai Air Navigation Services:

When used, TWR will provide traffic information and may apply LDG CLR to an arriving ACFT if the following MNM separation distances exist when crossing the THR:
Landing following landing: The preceding LDG ACFT will be at least 2500m from THR or will be clear of the RWY-in-use and both aircraft have been instructed to vacate at published Rapid Exit Taxiways (RETs).
Landing following departure: The departing ACFT will be airborne and at least 2500m from THR or of the RWY in use.
TKOF CLR may be issued to a departing ACFT commencing its TKOF-roll provided:
Departure following departure: The preceding ACFT will be airborne and at least 2500m from THR of the RWY-in-use.

Note: The application of RRSM is completely independent of accepting a visual approach/ separation from ATC to facilitate reduced spacing on final. With a Visual Approach, the pilot is responsible for ensuring appropriate spacing against the preceding on the final approach segment. But like ALL other runway separations, ATC MUST ENSURE THE REQUIRED RUNWAY SEPARATIONS EXIST including RRSM when applied.

While available in various situations, this procedure is most likely to be used when applied to successive landing or successive departing aircraft on a single runway. To apply, DXB Tower have 2500m “markers” on their Displays denoting the required separation points for each runway. In addition, they have specific procedures to allow the preceding aircraft to continue moving and not erode the separation (i.e. preceding landing must continue taxiing at least until established on the parallel taxiway system). What this means to you is that you may cross the landing threshold when the preceding aircraft is still on the runway both during day and night time operations.

Using RRSM, ATC can issue the landing clearance much earlier with reasonable assurance that the required separation will occur. TWR are responsible for ensuring the separation criteria is met. ATC maintains a continuous watch on all operations including monitoring that preceding aircraft are operating normally, e.g. decelerating appropriately to make the ATC assigned exit. If any doubt exists, ATC will assess the situation and may send the following aircraft around.

Queries or general comments should be addressed to Customer.Relations@dans.gov.ae

For flight support to Dubai International Airport, contact our Ops team at dxb@uas.aero