Which aspect of airport operations involves the removal of ice from airplanes?

The removal of ice from airplanes is specifically referred to as de-icing. This procedure is crucial because ice accumulation on aircraft surfaces can significantly affect their aerodynamic performance and safety during takeoff and flight. De-icing typically occurs prior to a flight, especially in colder climates or winter weather conditions, to ensure that the aircraft operates safely and efficiently.

Ground handling encompasses a broader range of activities surrounding the operations of an aircraft on the ground, such as baggage handling, refueling, and transport of passengers, not specifically focused on ice removal. Maintenance checks are routine inspections or repairs performed on an aircraft to ensure its airworthiness, while flight safety audits evaluate overall operational practices to enhance safety but do not involve direct actions like de-icing. Hence, de-icing stands out as the specialized operation directly related to the removal of ice from airplanes.