What does "landside" refer to at an airport?

The term "landside" at an airport refers to the portions of the airport that are accessible to the general public without the need for a security clearance. This area includes elements such as the ticketing and check-in counters, concessions, waiting areas, and other facilities where passengers can gather before proceeding to the security checkpoints.

Understanding the distinction between landside and airside operations is crucial in airport management. The airside, on the other hand, refers to the area that is beyond security checks, which includes runways and taxiways where only authorized personnel and passengers with valid boarding passes are allowed.

While the other options mention different aspects of an airport's layout, they do not accurately define the concept of landside. The designation of an area specifically for aircraft hangars refers to ground handling and maintenance operations, while the waiting area after security checks is considered part of the airside, not landside. Thus, recognizing landside as the publicly accessible area helps clarify airport operations and the flow of passengers.