LED airfield lighting: exploring the synergy of sustainable solutions, safety, and smart technology

Purpose This study investigates the effects of LED airfield lighting on sustainability and safety, aiming to provide actionable insights for airport operations, health and safety, and sustainability managers. It evaluates both global and New Zealand-specific contexts to understand how LED lighting contributes to energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and safety in airport environments. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative methodology was adopted, combining primary data from five expert interviews with secondary data from a systematic literature review of 47 articles. Thematic coding was employed to identify key influencing factors, followed by a Pareto analysis, degree of centrality, and causal loop diagramming to assess their systemic importance. Findings The study identifies Energy Efficiency (EE-01) and Reduction of Energy Consumption (EE-02) as the most influential factors closely linked to operational savings and sustainability goals. Durability (IR-02) and High-Performance Light Output (IR-01) also emerged as critical for ensuring long-term reliability and visual safety. While factors such as Reduced Maintenance Costs (CE-01) and Smart Control and Adaptability (TI-01) are less frequently cited in the literature, consultation input suggests they are becoming increasingly relevant in modern airfield systems. The analysis reveals a balanced emphasis on economic efficiency, safety, and environmental performance. Research limitations/implications The study is limited to English-language sources from 2019 onward and includes a focused sample of industry consultations, which may affect generalisability. Nonetheless, the integrated analysis offers a robust foundation for future research and policy development in sustainable airport infrastructure. Practical implications From a practical standpoint, the study provides actionable insights for airport authorities, infrastructure designers, and health and safety managers. Stakeholders are encouraged to prioritise LED lighting as part of broader sustainability strategies—not only for the environmental and financial advantages but also for enhanced visual performance, reduced maintenance-related hazards, and emerging opportunities for smart lighting control. For policymakers, the results underscore the need to support LED adoption through targeted incentives, technical standards, and regulatory frameworks, especially in contexts like New Zealand, where national sustainability goals are aligned with infrastructure modernisation. Originality/value This research presents the first comprehensive evaluation of LED airfield lighting through a systems-thinking and network-analysis lens, integrating perspectives on sustainability, safety, and cost. It provides airport stakeholders with evidence-based insights to support safer, more energy-efficient, and environmentally aligned airfield operations.