Who always has the right of way on the Movement Area?

Aircraft always have the right of way on the Movement Area because their operational requirements and safety considerations take precedence over those of vehicles or pedestrians. The Movement Area refers to the areas on the airport where aircraft taxi, take off, and land, which includes runways and taxiways.

In this context, aircraft are required to maneuver in a manner that ensures safety during ground operations, especially considering their size, speed, and the potential for far-reaching impacts when moving. The traffic management strategy at airports prioritizes the flow of aircraft movements to maintain efficiency and safety—not only for the aircraft involved but also for the overall airport operations.

While vehicles and pedestrians must yield to aircraft within the Movement Area, air traffic control plays a vital role in coordinating and providing instructions to ensure that aircraft have the necessary clearances and information to operate safely. However, the precedence of right of way is fundamentally on the aircraft due to safety-critical regulations and procedures.