Runways are for taking off and landing. Taxiways are for everything else. Aircraft use them to move between the runway, apron, and hangars, guided by painted lines and signs that keep them clear of active runways.

Taxiing looks simple from the terminal window. It is not. Controllers manage a complex flow of aircraft, ground vehicles, and pedestrians, often in poor visibility. Runway incursions, where an aircraft or vehicle enters an active runway without clearance, remain one of aviation's most persistent safety risks.

Taxiway markings and signs

• Yellow centreline to follow
• Hold short lines at runway entries
• Direction signs pointing to taxiways
• Location signs showing current position

At large airports, taxi times can exceed thirty minutes. Airlines factor that into schedules and fuel planning, because a long taxi burns fuel before the aircraft even takes off.