Instrument Landing System & Visual Landing Aids Market Size - By ILS Category, Type, Technology, Application Analysis, Share, Growth Forecast, 2025 - 2034

Instrument Landing System & Visual Landing Aids Market Size

The global instrument landing system & visual landing aids market size was valued at USD 1.9 billion in 2024 and is set to reach USD 3.6 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 6.7% from 2025 to 2034, driven by key factors such as surge in air traffic growth, modernization of airport infrastructure, as well as emergence of smart airports. The increase in air travel worldwide, due to the growing active fleet of commercial jets and passengers, is increasing the need for Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) as well as visual landing aids.
 

According to the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG), The world's airlines carried 4.4 billion passengers in 2023, of which 1.8 billion were internationally and 2.6 billion were from within the country. There were nearly 5 billion passengers travelled in 2024. Airports are investing in precision landing technologies that guarantee safety during low-visibility landings and mitigate delays towards landing and operational efficiency. Emerging economies are building new airport infrastructure and developed regions are modernizing the older systems and bringing them to ICAO standards. The surge in air traffic requires enhanced navigation tools which greatly increase global demand for ILS and visual guidance systems.
 

The modernization of airport facilities is one of the major factors driving the demand for instrument landing systems and visual landing aids. Government authorities and other relevant bodies are investing in the construction of modern grade terminals, runways and airside facilities to keep pace with international standards of aviation. Advanced landing systems are increasingly critical as modern ILS and visual aids improve safety, traffic capacity, and enable operation in all weather conditions.
 

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the financing is intended for projects that seek to update old infrastructure. Many of the grants include components that will construct new or enlarged terminal facilities, ground transportation, and sustainability elements. These projects include updates to the HVAC and plumbing systems, the addition of passenger boarding bridges, the renovation and addition of existing passenger waiting facilities and gates, and the reconstruction of a baggage handling system. These improvements are crucial for the airports aims for greater operational efficiency, reduced delay times, and wider international connections. Hence there is constant growth in demand of ILS and visual landing aids, which is accelerating the market growth across the globe.
 

The Trump administration’s tariffs on imported electronic components, steel, and aluminum had a modest effect on the ILS & Visual Landing Aids market. These tariffs raised the costs of various ILS transmitters, antenna arrays, and airfield lighting systems. U.S. manufacturers suffered from higher input costs, constrained pricing policies, and further squeezed margins. Moreover, retaliatory tariffs from other countries created additional difficulties for U.S. exporters of ILS and visual aids equipment, potentially stalling international bidding and contracting for projects. Nonetheless, the continued funding of essential airport infrastructure projects by the government offset some of the adverse impacts.
 

Instrument Landing System & Visual Landing Aids Market Trends

• The increasing inclination by Tier-II and Tier-III airports is emerging as one of the major trends drives the growth of the instrument landing system and visual landing aids market. With the development of regional connectivity, domestic air travel is expanding and smaller airports are being upgraded to accommodate commercial operations. Particularly in developing countries, governments are directing efforts towards the improvement of aviation infrastructural facilities in remote and neglected areas. For safety and reliability of operations at such airports, there is an increased adoption of ILS and modern visual aids. This shift in traffic from primary hubs is maintaining a steady growth for sophisticated landing systems throughout the network of regional airports.
   
• Rising cases of weather-related flight disruptions are contributing to the heightened demand for ILS and visual landing aids. Factors like fog, heavy rainfall, and limited visibility cause scheduling changes and cancellations which are expensive for airlines and inconvenient to passengers. Conditions like fog, heavy rains, and low visibility affect billions of dollars in economically important scheduled flights. These issues lead to delays, diversions, and cancellations, resulting in economic deficits for both the airlines and the passengers. To ease visibility constraints, precision approach procedures are being incorporated by airports which enable safe control and landing of aircrafts during poor visibility. There is a growing shift in focus towards bolstering capabilities aimed at entails aiding operations of aircrafts during any kind of weather which is shifting the use of ILS and visual aids furthering safety mechanisms and security into more advanced navigation and monitoring systems to deal with complex weather patterns.
   

Instrument Landing System & Visual Landing Aids Market Analysis

Based on the ILS Category, the market is segmented into Instrument Landing System CAT I, Instrument Landing System CAT II, and Instrument Landing System CAT III.
 

• Instrument landing system CAT I segment crossed USD 1 billion in 2024, driven by the demand for economical precision landing capabilities in regional and mid-sized airports. CAT I systems with safe landings above decision heights of 200 feet, avail for nearly all weather conditions at these airports, accordingly are highly convenient for infrastructural modifications. Moreover, increased attention for lower landing criteria are being set alongside increasing intra and domestic flights, providing a need to switch to CAT I systems to improve operational reliability without the added expense of CAT II/III installations.
   
• The instrument landing system CAT III segment is likely to reach USD 846.6 million by 2034. Demand for an Instrument Landing System (ILS) CAT III is fueled by the necessity for continuous airport activity even when weather conditions are particularly severe at key international airports. CAT III equipped systems allow for landings during very low visibility conditions with support for decision heights all the way down to zero; this is crucial in reducing cancellations and delays. Increased global aviation traffic, and simultaneous expectations from airlines for better schedule dependability, is forcing airports to upgrade to CAT III capabilities. Moreover, the focus on increasing runway utilization and airport capacity during bad weather conditions is further bolstering the use of CAT III systems.

Based on the type, the market is divided into runway lighting, approach lighting, and taxiway lighting.
 

• The runway lighting segment is accounted for over 40.7% of the global instrument landing system & visual landing aids market share in 2024. The increase in airfield safety, operational efficacy, and international standards compliance is certainly influencing the need for runway lighting systems. As airports expand and attempt to serve an increasing number of flights, proper and economical runway lighting solutions pose a challenge for supporting nocturnal operations as well as landings in poor visibility conditions. Modern advancements in LED lighting technologies ease maintenance and lower energy expenditures, accelerating adoption of runway lighting. Furthermore, adoption of standard lighting systems regulations coupled with the growing number of infrastructure modernization works around the world are steadily increasing investment in sophisticated airport lighting systems.
   
• The approach lighting segment is set to grow at a 7.5% CAGR till 2034. The demand for approach lighting is lead by the system’s features as aid in guiding a pilot during the transition from instrument to visual landing, especially in poor weather conditions. Increased air traffic and the need for precise landings at primary and secondary airports are expanding the use of high intensity and advanced approach lighting systems. Also, market demand is boosted with ICAO and FAA requirements for standard approach lighting at commercial airports combined with modern developments in controllable and energy saving lights.
   

Based on the technology, the market is divided into LEDs and incandescent lamps.
 

• LEDs segment was worth over USD 1.2 million in 2024. The use of LEDs in the ILS (Instrument Landing System) and Visual Landing Aids market is attributed to the growing demand for energy-efficient, long life, and low-maintenance lighting technologies. Incandescent lights have easily been replaced due to their dimness, slow start-up times, and mechanical fragility; airfield use applications necessitate aircraft grade LEDs. Airports have started valuing the sustainability objectives as well as the operational cost savings, driving the use of LEDs systems to enhance efficiency and sustainability. Also, LEDs ensure better visibility and operational dependability for a wide range of weather, which is currently in line with international norms that promote safer eco-friendly airfield infrastructures.
   
• Incandescent lamps segment is expected to register at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2025 to 2034. The adoption of incandescent lamps in the Instrument Landing System (ILS) and Visual Landing Aids market is contributed by their existing application, economic ease of installation, and suitability for older airport systems. Many budget constrained airports, especially in newer markets and smaller regional hubs, still depend on incandescent systems due to an outdated modernization strategy. Incandescent lamps further provide ease of maintenance owing to easy access to spare parts which is beneficial for energy operationally challenged airports that require immediate operations.
   

Based on the application, the market is segmented into commercial airports, military airports, heliports, general aviation, and others.
 

• The commercial airports segment accounted for USD 1.1 billion in 2024. The increase in global passenger and freight movement has resulted in greater anthropogenic demand for commercial airport ILS (Instrument Landing System) and Visual Landing Aids. This increased demand is associated with improving safety and efficiency of airport operations. Advanced airfield lighting and landing guidance systems are critical as commercial airports vie for competition to curb delays, maximize on-time achievements, and increase flight traffic. The investment by commercial airports in modern ILS and visual aids is also stimulated due to active circumvention policies in regard to international aviation safety regulations coupled with next generation aircraft infrastructure development focus positioning.
   
• The heliports segment is likely to reach USD 306.9 million by 2034. The development of urban air mobility alongside offshore services and emergency medical services is driving demand for Instrument Landing System (ILS) and Visual Landing Aids in heliports. Increased helicopter traffic in urban centers and remote industries such as oil and gas is forcing heliports to upgrade their navigation and lighting systems to manage with operational safety requirements in all weather, low-visibility, and foggy conditions. Standardization of heliport safety requirements and the growing demand for constant access is also driving strategic investment in precision approach aids and dependable visual guidance systems designed for heliports.

In 2024, the U.S. instrument landing system & visual landing aids market accounted for USD 548.8 million. Renewed commercial airline traffic, as well as the modernization of aging airport infrastructures, are primary drivers of ILS and Visual Landing Aid Systems in the U.S. which are further augmented by FAA initiatives under NextGen, aimed at improving safety and efficiency. The growing incidences of severe weather also necessitates the development of reliable technology to guarantee operational continuity. Federal spending on regional airports, alongside the strategic focus on central airports aimed at optimizing runway usage and minimizing congestion, is supporting the growth of advanced ILS and visual guidance systems across the region.
 

The Germany instrument landing system & visual landing aids market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.3% during the forecast period. The need for Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) and Visual Landing Aids in Germany is largely influenced by the aviation safety concerns of the European Union as well as Germany’s commitment to its enforcement. The modernization of intermodal transport centers to “smart airports” requires sophisticated airfield navigation systems. Also, improving the capacity of German regional airports for domestic and intra-European travel and ongoing efforts for minimizing flight delays through technological solutions is further driving the demand for ILS and advanced visual landing systems.
 

China instrument landing system & visual landing aids market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.1% during the forecast period. The growth of the airline industry in China as well as the government’s initiative to develop an international level airport infrastructure is increasing the China market for ILS and VLA. As part of the 14th five year plan, there is heavy investment towards newer airports and their construction which is providing new opportunities for high technology advanced landing systems. Moreover, China is actively improving the operational efficiency of the second tier cities and stabilizing the flight movements due to the dynamic weather conditions which is fast tracking the implementation of precision landing systems and visual flight guidance systems in the expanding aviation infrastructure.
 

In 2024, Japan is dominated about 15.1% share of the instrument landing system & visual landing aids market in Asia Pacific. The demand in Japan increases from the country’s aviation resiliency and preparedness for disasters given the complexity of the country’s geography. Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) and Visual Landing Aids have uses in Japan due to its natural calamities. Precisely Japan's aged airport facilities are undergoing consistent modernization to augment precision approach functionalities and accommodate the growing volume of both international and domestic air travel. The government along with other stakeholders is focusing on smart airport projects and automation in addition to gearing up for major global events as well as the recovery of tourism, and, subsequently, spending is accelerating towards advanced modern aids and guidance systems at pivotal airport infrastructures.
 

South Korea instrument landing system & visual landing aids market crossed USD 58.9 million in 2024. Commercial aviation’s development in South Korea is fuelling the demand and supply of its technological infrastructure including Advanced ILS and VFR visual aids. Its construction of modern passenger airports and transformations of regional airports into multi-functional hubs is aligned with its goal of emerging as an international aviation center. Expansion of Incheon International Airport is purposefully integrated with development of Advanced Traffic Management System and further Advanced ILS technologies capable of providing needed precision and safety amidst variable weather conditions.
 

Instrument Landing System & Visual Landing Aids Market Share

The instrument landing system & visual landing aids industry is moderately consolidated and with key players participants concentrating on technological advancements, integrated systems competence, by modernizing airport infrastructure systems to integrate advanced technologies. Companies like Thales Group, Collins Aerospace (Raytheon Technologies), Honeywell International Inc., Indra Sistemas S.A., and L3Harris Technologies have a considerable presence in the market and are holding highest numbers of market shares of nearly 41.7%. This landscape is further complicated due to rigorous legal enforcement, consequent airport and aviation safety measures, and construction and development focus initiated at a regional level.
 

The market for instrument landing system & visual landing aids is continuously developing with new product innovations with growing investment. For instance, in February 2025, Oso Semiconductor closes USD 5.2 million seed round to support upcoming phased array antennas for radar, 5G, and satellite communication systems. The funds will be used by Oso Semiconductor to develop evaluation systems and pre-production beamforming chipsets for early clients in the satellite communications (SATCOM) industry.
 

Thales’s ILS systems are deployed in numerous airports around the world enabling safe landings during poor weather conditions. Their systems are classified into categories I, II, and III depending on the aircraft operational capabilities, and are offered in both manned and unmanned versions for military and civilian purposes. Thales provides fixed-base ILS for standard airport operations and offer deployable ILS systems for tactically challenging areas, both for military and civilian use.
 

Collins Aerospace has capabilities for both military and commercial aviation within their Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) portfolio. These systems eJPALS and GLU-925, equip pilots with accurate guidance during approaches and landings even in adverse weather conditions. eJPALS is for rapid-deploy forces, providing dynamic battlefield precision approach and landing capabilities. The GLU-925 uses GNSS for aircraft position determination and supports multiple landing category and RNAV/RNP operations.
 

Instrument Landing System & Visual Landing Aids Market Companies

Leading companies in the instrument landing system & visual landing aids industry comprise:

• Thales Group
• Collins Aerospace (Raytheon Technologies)
• Honeywell International Inc.
• Indra Sistemas S.A.
• L3Harris Technologies
   

Instrument Landing System & Visual Landing Aids Industry News

• In April 2025, STM announced that Türkiye had successfully put its first in-house-developed Helicopter Visual Landing Aid System (HVLAS) into service. The system had been installed on a corvette built as part of an export program. The system has passed all acceptance tests and was created in collaboration with Berkin Defence Engineering Inc. and STM Savunma Teknolojileri Mühendislik ve Ticaret A.?. The software component of the HVLAS system, which automatically configures operational parameters, coordinates the flight deck lights and visual guidance equipment.
   
• In November 2024, Optonaval, a major supplier of advanced Helicopter Visual Landing Aid Systems (HVLAS), and Airbus Defence and Space, a world leader in aviation, space, and defense announced their collaboration to revolutionize marine flight operations. Through this partnership, Optonaval's innovative visual landing aids will be integrated with Airbus's modern DeckFinderTM local positioning system, which allows for high-precision automated takeoffs and landings on rolling ship decks. It is anticipated that this combination will provide previously unheard-of levels of safety and precision for both manned and unmanned maritime aviation missions.
   

This instrument landing system & visual landing aids market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecasts in terms of revenue (USD Million) from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:

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Market, By ILS Category

• Instrument Landing System CAT I
• Instrument Landing System CAT II
• Instrument Landing System CAT III

Market, By Type

• Runway Lighting
• Approach Lighting
• Taxiway Lighting

Market, By Technology

• LEDs
• Incandescent Lamps

Market, By Application

• Commercial Airports
• Military Airports
• Heliports
• General Aviation
• Others

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • UK
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • ANZ 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
• MEA
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa