Is Supply for Halogen Airfield Lighting Ending?
What Airports Should Know
by Bulent Ulas
Airport Services Manager, Arc & Spark Electric
Published: January 2026
At a Glance
- Halogen supply for airfield lighting is not ending—it’s adapting
- OSRAM’s airfield lamp business was sold to Ushio, not shut down; production continues
- Multiple manufacturers remain active: Vosla (Germany), Amglo (USA), Philips (USA), OSRAM (Germany/Mexico)
- Fixture alternatives are plentiful, even if major players like ADB Safegate exit halogen
- Exception: Airports with ILCMS may face upgrade pressure if their supplier exits
- No need to stockpile—focus on knowing your suppliers and testing alternatives early
Should Airports Worry About Halogen Supply?
If you’ve been following industry news, you’ve likely seen headlines that may raise concerns: factory closures, major players phasing out halogen products, and business units being sold off. It’s natural to wonder whether halogen supply for airfield lighting is coming to an end.
The short answer: no, it isn’t. But the landscape is changing, and it’s worth understanding what’s actually happening versus what the headlines suggest.
Headlines vs. Reality
Yes, some big players are phasing out halogen. ADB Safegate, one of the largest fixture suppliers in the Canadian market, has stated that halogen “is being phased out across the industry.” And you may have heard about OSRAM factory closures in Europe.
But there is more beyond the headlines.
Halogen Bulb Supply: Changing Hands, Not Disappearing
OSRAM is one of the biggest halogen bulb suppliers for airfield lighting worldwide. The factory closure you may have heard about was not their airfield lamp business—that division was sold in July 2025 to Ushio Inc. of Japan, a respected optical technology company. The business was profitable, and Ushio is continuing operations. OSRAM also continues to operate in Mexico.
Beyond OSRAM, Vosla in Germany, Amglo and Phillips in the USA continue manufacturing halogen bulbs for airfield lighting with no announced end date.
The fundamental economics are simple: thousands of airports worldwide still rely on halogen systems. Where there’s demand, there will be supply.
Halogen Fixtures: Even More Options
Fixtures are a different story, and actually a more reassuring one.
Yes, ADB Safegate is moving away from halogen fixtures. But here’s what many people don’t realize: there are more fixture suppliers in the market than there are bulb suppliers. Lenses and filters are largely standardized. Even if a major player exits, alternatives exist.
For airports with winter maintenance that regularly damages fixtures and requires replacement, this matters. You won’t be left without options.
The One Exception: ILCMS
There is one scenario where supply concerns could become real: airports using Individual Lamp Control and Monitoring Systems (ILCMS).
ILCMS allows you to monitor and control each light individually—a sophisticated capability that requires proprietary integration between fixtures and control systems. If your ILCMS supplier exits the halogen market, you may face pressure to upgrade your entire system rather than simply replacing components.
This is relatively rare in Canada, but if your airport uses ILCMS, it’s worth having a conversation with your supplier about their roadmap.
What Should You Do?
- Know your suppliers. Find out whether your current bulb and fixture suppliers plan to continue their halogen lines. If they don’t, identify alternatives early.
- Test alternatives before you need them. If your supplier is exiting, don’t wait until you’re out of stock. Try alternative products now so you’re confident they work for your operations.
- Don’t overspend on stockpiling. With multiple suppliers still in the market, there’s no need to tie up budget on excessive inventory.
- Plan ahead. LED upgrades may make sense on your timeline regardless of supply concerns. Evaluate based on your operational needs and budget cycle, not fear.
The halogen era for airfield lighting isn’t ending. Stay informed, and you’ll navigate any supplier changes without disruption.
References
Revision History
- January 2026: Initial publication.
