What does the term "airside" refer to in airport operations?

The term "airside" specifically refers to areas of an airport that are accessible to aircraft and personnel directly involved in airport operations, which includes runways, taxiways, and other zones beyond security screening that facilitate the movement of aircraft. Understanding this definition is crucial for airport operations and safety as these areas have specific regulations and require specialized training for those who need to access them.

In contrast, security screening areas pertain to the portion of the airport where passengers undergo checks before entering the airside, and passenger waiting areas are where people wait for their flights, but they do not involve aircraft operations. The administrative offices are separate spaces dedicated to management and operations of the airport that have no direct connection to the airside safety and operations. Thus, recognizing the definitions and functions of these areas is essential for anyone operating in an airport environment.