Definition 1 of 2
Plain English Meaning
The part of a flight, and the airspace around an airport, where aircraft are coming in to land or just leaving — not the long cruise portion in between.
Full Definition
In aviation, terminal refers to the airspace, procedures, and facilities associated with the area immediately surrounding an airport, where aircraft are arriving, departing, or maneuvering for approach and landing rather than en route between airports.
Context Anchor
Seen in phrases such as terminal area, terminal procedures, and terminal operations in instrument flying .