What is a taxiway?

A taxiway is defined as a roadway that facilitates the movement of aircraft on the airport surface, specifically connecting runways to ramps, gates, and other areas of the airport. This pathway is crucial for safe ground operations, allowing planes to travel between the runway—where they take off and land—and the ramp or terminal areas where they are parked and serviced. Understanding this definition is vital, as taxiways help maintain the flow of air traffic on the ground, ensuring that aircraft can efficiently move without interfering with active runways or other operational areas. The other options describe different aspects of airport operations but do not accurately capture the specific role of a taxiway in aircraft navigation on the ground.