Definition
A taxiway used by an aircraft to leave the runway after landing and proceed toward the parking, terminal, or hangar area. Exit taxiways may be at right angles to the runway or angled (high-speed exits) to allow aircraft to clear the runway more quickly.
Plain English
The taxiway you turn onto to get off the runway after you land.
Context Anchor
Seen during the landing rollout, on airport diagrams, on taxiway signs, and in tower instructions after landing.
Why Pilots Care
Allows the aircraft to clear the runway faster, reducing runway occupancy time and improving overall airport traffic flow.
Intuition Check
Do not think of an exit taxiway as just any place you turn off the runway. It is a specific marked taxiway built and designated for leaving the runway.
Example Sentence 1
After touchdown, the pilot allowed the aircraft to slow on the runway centerline before turning onto the first available exit taxiway.
Example Sentence 2
High-speed exit taxiways let larger jets leave the runway sooner and reduce delays for following traffic.