Why do jet aircraft have headlights?
The runway lights do a great job of pointing out where the edges of the runway are, but if that’s all you can see, it can be a bit “interesting” when you land. Seeing the pavement in front of you is actually pretty helpful. Also, they serve to make it easier for other aircraft to see you, particularly when one might be waiting to take off and looking to see if anyone is landing on that runway. If the lights on the runway fail before landing, airliners are not allowed to land. Private aircraft can, but it would not be a good idea. The landing lights don’t light up the ground until just before landing, so you would have no way of seeing the runway to get lined up properly. Also, during and before takeoff, it does allow you to see a little ways down the runway to know if there are any obstacles or surface contaminants like snow, ice, or standing water.
