Aircraft operating in the air or on airport movement areas are referred to as what?

Aircraft operating in the air or on airport movement areas are referred to as air traffic. This term encompasses all aircraft that are currently in flight or on the ground in an airport's movement areas, which includes runways and taxiways. Understanding this terminology is crucial for air traffic controllers as it helps them monitor and manage the safe and efficient flow of aircraft, ensuring that proper separation and communication is maintained.

Air traffic is a fundamental concept in the field of aviation, as it relates directly to the responsibilities and operations of air traffic control. It is important to differentiate this term from others that refer to specific aspects of aviation. For example, air carriers refer to airlines that provide transport services, while flight operations might pertain to the activities related to the actual flights themselves. Air traffic control is the system and personnel that coordinate the movement of air traffic but does not encompass the broad range of aircraft activity defined as air traffic.