How is air traffic management related to airport operations?

Air traffic management plays a crucial role in ensuring the safe and efficient movement of aircraft both in the airspace and on the ground at an airport. It encompasses a variety of functions, including air traffic control, which guides aircraft during takeoffs and landings, manages the flow of air traffic in the vicinity of the airport, and coordinates ground movement of aircraft on taxiways and runways.

Effective air traffic management is integral to airport operations because it directly affects the safety, efficiency, and overall capacity of an airport. By strategically controlling where and when aircraft can take off, land, and taxi, air traffic management helps to optimize the use of the airport's resources, reduces delays, and enhances the passenger experience.

The other options, while relating to various aspects of airport operations, do not capture the full scope of air traffic management's impact on airport functionality. Managing airport staff and security pertains more to the operational support functions rather than the direct management of aircraft movements. The scheduling of airlines at the airport reflects planning but does not encompass the real-time control of aircraft. Lastly, the maintenance of airport infrastructure is essential for safety and service delivery but is a separate concern from the critical operations of air traffic management.