What is referred to as the airside of an airport?

The airside of an airport refers specifically to all areas that are accessible to aircraft. This includes runways, taxiways, and any vicinity where aircraft can operate, including loading and unloading areas for passengers and cargo. Access to the airside is typically restricted to authorized personnel and passengers who have gone through security.

Understanding the concept of airside is crucial in airport operations and safety protocols, as this area is where aircraft movements occur and is subject to different regulations and monitoring compared to landside areas. This distinction is vital for effective airport management, security, and operational efficiency.

The other options focus on aspects of the airport that are related to the general public or operational functions that do not specifically define the airside. For instance, areas accessible to the public often relate to landside operations, while terminal buildings and waiting areas are explicitly designed for passenger services and are part of the landside infrastructure. Parking lots for aircraft, while related to aircraft, do not encompass the entirety of airside operations.