Airport Traffic

Airport traffic refers to all aircraft flying in the vicinity of an airport, all aircraft operating on the manoeuvring area, and all vehicles and persons on the manoeuvring area. Managing airport traffic is the primary function of aerodrome control (tower) at a controlled airport.

Traffic Flow at Controlled Airports

Tower assigns runways, issues takeoff and landing clearances, sequences arrivals and departures, and controls ground movement. Pilots must have two-way radio contact with tower before entering the control zone and must not take off or land without clearance.

Related Terms

See also: Control Tower, Aerodrome Traffic, Controlled Airport.