×
App Icon
The Standard e-Paper
Read Offline Anywhere
★★★★ - on Play Store
Download Now

Aviation: Why airplanes have red, green lights illuminating the skies

The lights help pilots determine the direction other aircraft and also play a vital role in avoiding collisions.

If you've ever sat by an airplane window during a night flight, you may have noticed something quietly blinking in the dark - tiny red and green lights at the tips of the wings.

To the average passenger, they might seem like decorative features, perhaps added for aesthetic appeal. But in reality, these lights are an essential part of aviation safety, embedded in global protocols and deeply woven into the history of modern flight.

Get Full Access for Ksh299/Week
Unlock the Full Story — Join Thousands of Informed Kenyans Today
  • Unlimited access to all premium content
  • Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience
  • Mobile-optimized reading experience
  • Weekly Newsletters
  • MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted
Already a subscriber? Log in
Sports
Why 2026 is a big year for sports, home and away
Sports
King of the Course kicks off golf season
By Mike Kihaki 22 hrs ago
Sports
How sports Is becoming a powerful political arena
Football
Gabon government suspends entire national team after winless AFCON exit, Aubameyang dismissed