Skip to main content
Basic Technical IVT

Taxiway

A defined path on an airport surface, designated for the movement of aircraft between the runway and the apron or other airport facilities.

Full Definition

A taxiway is a paved route that allows aircraft to move between the runway system and the apron, hangars, or cargo facilities under their own engine power. Taxiways are identified by letters (and sometimes alphanumeric codes) and are marked with yellow centreline and edge markings. They are distinct from runways, which are used for take-off and landing, and from aprons, where aircraft are parked and serviced. Editors must not confuse taxiway designators (e.g., Taxiway Alpha, abbreviated as TWY A) with runway designators, which use magnetic heading-based numbers.

Usage

Usage note: Always one word. Taxiway identifiers use uppercase letters (e.g., Taxiway Alpha or TWY A). Do not use 'taxi lane' as a synonym in formal documents unless defined in the specific manual.

In Context

  • "The aircraft was instructed to hold short of Taxiway Bravo pending conflicting traffic." — ATC Transcript
  • "Editors should verify that taxiway designators are consistent with the current aerodrome chart throughout the document." — Editorial Review Note — Aerodrome Manual

Also known as

TWY

Don't confuse with

runway apron service road

Editors from these organisations have used our services since 1998

Reuters BBC Oxford University Press Penguin Random House Springer Microsoft Suncor Energy United Nations Fisher Investments IBM The Home Depot KODAK CHEVRON