Apron

Apron (also called ramp or tarmac) is the defined area on an airport intended for the parking of aircraft for the purposes of loading/unloading passengers, cargo, mail, fueling, maintenance, and other servicing. The apron connects to taxiways that lead to runways.

Aprons are typically managed by the airport operator or ground handling companies, not by ATC (though some airports have apron control frequencies). Aircraft movement on the apron is generally governed by the aerodrome operator rules.