taxiways

Taxiways are defined paths on an airport surface designated for aircraft ground movement between runways, aprons, terminals, and other facilities. They provide the network that allows aircraft to taxi safely from the parking areas to the runway and back, while keeping most ground movements separate from active runways.

Taxiways come in several types and layouts. Parallel taxiways run beside runways to connect with multiple runway exits and terminals, while connector taxiways link runways with other taxi routes and facilities. Rapid exit taxiways provide high-speed departures from a runway to shorten runway occupancy. At many airports, taxiways form a network of intersections and curves that must accommodate aircraft of varying sizes and weights, with spacing and pavement strength chosen to ensure safe operation under different conditions.

Markings, lighting, and signage support taxiing. Taxiways typically feature blue taxiway edge lights and green centerline lighting to guide pilots, with white or yellow markings indicating the taxi route, hold-short positions, and runway proximity. Holding position markings and runway hold lines indicate where an aircraft must stop before crossing onto a runway or continuing across an intersection. Signage and markings follow established standards to convey directions, taxiway designations, and restrictions, and may include lead-in or lead-off lines to assist transitions between runways and taxi routes.

Operation and regulation. Ground movement is coordinated by air traffic control and supported by published taxiway design standards. Design and labeling of taxiways follow national and international guidance from organizations such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and national authorities like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Taxiway networks are planned to maximize efficiency, minimize runway occupancy, and maintain safety under diverse weather and traffic conditions.