If you’ve looked into temporary lighting solutions for airside operations, you’ve probably noticed something: airport mobile lighting towers cost more than their roadside counterparts. But why is that? And what exactly are you paying for?
At Midstream Lighting, we specialise in aviation-grade solutions, and our airport mobile lighting towers are no exception. So, let’s break down what goes into their pricing and why it’s a smart investment.
How much does a mobile lighting tower for airports actually cost?
Depending on the configuration, our mobile lighting towers range from:
- €10,000–€12,000 for a more basic unit with a manual winch
- €20,000–€25,000 for a fully equipped tower with a hydraulic mast system
These prices may seem steep if you’re comparing them to roadworks-style towers or generic lighting units, but that’s not a fair comparison. Here’s why.
Why are airport mobile lighting towers more expensive?
1. ICAO Annex 14 compliance as standard
Airports operate under strict regulations set by bodies such as ICAO and EASA. Lighting is not just about brightness, but also about achieving uniformity, reducing glare, managing beam direction, and ensuring correct installation positioning. Our towers provide:
- Full compliance with ICAO Annex 14 for Code E and F aircraft stands
- Up to 20 Lux average over 4800 square metres per tower
- Certification-ready lighting designs for submission as part of regulatory approval
2. High-performance asymmetric optics
Each tower is fitted with four 475W Apron Master Series M04 floodlights, designed specifically for airport environments. Unlike generic floodlights, these use asymmetric optics to reduce glare, avoid light spill, and maximise uniformity – essential in complex apron environments.
3. No civil works or infrastructure required
One of the main benefits of our mobile lighting towers for airports is that they require no civil works. No trenching. No cabling. No permits. This alone saves thousands in labour and delays, especially for urgent deployments or short-term projects like resurfacing, temporary stand usage, or emergency response.
They are ideal for:
- Remote or temporary apron operations
- Runway resurfacing projects
- Terminal or stand expansions
- VIP and military deployments
- Locations restricted by Obstacle Limitation Surfaces (OLS)
Every detail has been developed with airside requirements in mind:
- Nine-metre vertical mast (manual or hydraulic), with 340° rotation
- IP66-rated protection against dust and water
- Surge-protected and built to handle extreme climates
- Certified wind resistance up to 110 kilometres per hour
- Operates at just 65 decibels at seven metres, making it suitable for noise-sensitive environments
- Remote control and automation available
This is not a construction site tower retrofitted for the apron. It’s a purpose-built system trusted by airports all over the world including London Gatwick, Marseille, Napoli, King Khalid International, and the New Zealand Defence Forces.
Features that deliver real value
- ICAO-compliant lighting design support included
- Optional photo-cell and timer automation
- Up to 200 hours run time on a single tank
- Multiple power configurations including plug-in and hybrid
- Longitudinal and transverse forklift pockets for safe transport
- Stabiliser legs and central lifting hook for secure setup
- Available in custom colours and specifications for military use
Final thoughts: Built for airside, not roadside
If you're comparing our towers to generic road lighting towers, you're comparing apples to aircraft.
Yes, the initial cost is higher. But when you factor in compliance, performance, deployment speed, and long-term reliability, the value speaks for itself. Whether you’re expanding a terminal, upgrading a stand, or reacting to an emergency, our mobile lighting towers deliver aviation-grade lighting, anywhere and anytime.
