What controls the Movement Area at an airport?

The Movement Area at an airport, which includes runways, taxiways, and other areas where aircraft are allowed to taxi, take off, and land, is primarily controlled by Air Traffic Control (ATC). ATC is responsible for ensuring the safe and orderly flow of air traffic, which includes issuing clearances for aircraft to move within the Movement Area. They provide instructions to pilots and ground personnel to maintain safety distances and coordinate actions, such as take-offs and landings, thereby managing the complex interactions between various aircraft and ground vehicles in this critical area of the airport.

While airport operations staff and security personnel play vital roles in the overall function and safety of airport activities, they do not have direct authority over the movement of aircraft within the Movement Area. Public transportation authorities are typically involved in the management of public transport systems rather than airport-specific operations. Therefore, the authority and responsibility for controlling movements in this area predominantly lie with Air Traffic Control.