Which statement best describes the difference between a taxiway and a runway?

• A. Taxiway is for ground movement between gates and runways; Runway is for takeoff and landing
• B. Taxiway is for takeoff; Runway is for taxiing
• C. Taxiway is for landing; Runway is for taxiing
• D. Taxiway is decorative

Answer: (A)

Taxiways are the routes aircraft use to move on the ground between gates, ramps, and the runways. They provide the pathways for taxiing aircraft to reach or depart a runway without using the air, guiding pilots along safe, controlled routes with markings and hold-short points. Runways, in contrast, are the long surfaces where aircraft take off and land, designed for high-speed operations and precise approach and departure procedures. So the statement that taxiways handle ground movement between gates and runways and runways handle takeoff and landing captures how these two surfaces function differently on an airport. The other ideas mix up those roles or introduce irrelevant concepts.