What is a key consideration for airport terminal planning according to the desired outcomes?

In airport terminal planning, one of the key outcomes is ensuring that the terminal building does not interfere with aircraft operations. This consideration is critical because the functionality, safety, and efficiency of airport operations rely heavily on maintaining safe distances and clear pathways for aircraft taxiing, takeoff, and landing. If the terminal is designed or placed in a way that obstructs flight operations or reduces the safety buffer zones, it can lead to significant operational challenges and increased risks.

Positioning the terminal properly ensures that aircraft can maneuver safely around the airport, and it allows for effective management of ground activities without compromising safety protocols. This consideration directly impacts the overall effectiveness and safety of aviation operations at the airport, making it a fundamental aspect of terminal planning.

While factors like design aesthetics, proximity to city centers, and integration with public transportation are important for various reasons—such as passenger experience and accessibility—they do not take precedence over the primary operational requirement of ensuring that the terminal structure supports and aligns with the safe operational framework of the airside activities.