Which of the following is NOT one of the three planning points of interest when planning the physical layout of the airport?

• A. terminal gates
• B. parking
• C. taxiways
• D. runways

Answer: (A)

Planning the physical layout of an airport’s airside centers on how aircraft move and park: runways, the taxiway network, and the apron where planes park. Runways determine where aircraft land and take off and their orientation relative to wind and approach paths. The taxiways connect those runways to the aprons, providing safe, efficient routes for taxiing and reducing ground conflicts. The apron areas designate where aircraft park for loading, servicing, and boarding, with gate spacing and ramp operations in mind. Terminal gates, while essential to passenger flow and terminal design, belong to the landside/terminal side rather than the airside layout, so they aren’t part of the three airfield planning points. Therefore, terminal gates is the option that isn’t one of the three planning points of interest.