Which term refers to the passageway that connects the parking areas and runways at an airport?

The term that refers to the passageway connecting the parking areas and runways at an airport is the taxiway. Taxiways are crucial for moving aircraft safely from the terminals and ramps to the runways and back. They provide a designated path that minimizes conflicts with other aircraft operations on the runways and ensure efficient traffic flow on the airport surface.

Taxiways are typically marked with blue lights and have specific signage to guide pilots. Understanding the function of taxiways is vital for aviation safety and efficiency, as they help manage the overall movement of aircraft within the airport environment.

In contrast, the traffic pattern refers to the predetermined flight path aircraft use when approaching to land or departing from an airport, while runway heading denotes the compass direction in which a runway is oriented. A tetrahedron is a type of windsock or wind direction indicator used at airfields, but it does not describe a passageway. Recognizing the specific roles of these terms in aviation helps clarify the operation of an airport and the safe movement of aircraft.