What does the term “airside” refer to in airport operations?

The term “airside” in airport operations specifically refers to the areas of the airport that are accessed after passengers have passed through security screening. This includes locations where aircraft are parked, loaded, and unloaded, as well as taxiways and runways. The airside is crucial for coordinating the movements of aircraft and ensuring the safe handling of all flight operations.

This designation distinguishes it from other airport zones, such as the landside, which encompasses areas accessible to the public, like ticketing, check-in, and baggage claim. Understanding this distinction is vital for anyone involved in airport operations, as it relates to security regulations, access control, and customer experience management.