Definition
A defined path on an airport surface established for the ground movement of aircraft between runways, ramps, hangars, terminals, and other parts of the airfield. Taxiways are marked with yellow centerlines and edge markings, and are identified by letters (e.g., Taxiway A, Taxiway B) shown on airport diagrams and on signs at the field.
Plain English
A taxiway is a road for airplanes on the ground. It connects the runway to the parking, fueling, and hangar areas so aircraft can move around the airport without using the runway itself.
Context Anchor
You will see TWY in airport diagrams, airport notices, ground control instructions, and written airport information.
Derivation
From 'taxi,' the term used since early aviation for an aircraft moving under its own power on the ground (borrowed from taxicabs moving slowly through streets), plus 'way,' meaning a path or route. So a taxiway is literally the path an aircraft taxis along.
Why Pilots Care
Knowing taxiway names, layouts, and ground control instructions is essential for safe airport surface movement. Confusion on taxiways is a leading contributor to runway incursions, which are among the most serious ground safety risks in aviation.
Intuition Check
Do not confuse a taxiway with a runway. A taxiway is for moving around on the ground; a runway is the surface normally used for takeoff and landing.
Example Sentence 1
Ground control instructed the pilot to taxi to Runway 27 via Taxiway A.
Example Sentence 2
During the preflight briefing the pilot reviewed the airport diagram to confirm the location of each TWY intersection.