Which term refers to the surface where aircraft are stationed when not in flight?

The term that refers to the surface where aircraft are stationed when not in flight is "apron." The apron is a designated area at an airport where various activities take place, including the parking of aircraft, loading and unloading of passengers and cargo, refueling, and maintenance operations. It is crucial for airport operations, as it provides a safe space for aircraft to remain stationary while ground services are performed.

In contrast, a runway is specifically designed for aircraft takeoff and landing, a taxiway is a path for aircraft to travel between the runway and the apron or terminal, and a terminal is a building where passengers embark and disembark from flights. Each of these other areas serves a distinct function within airport operations, but the apron is the correct term for the location where aircraft are parked when they are not in the air.