What is one of the main functions of taxiways at an airport?

Taxiways are essential components of an airport's layout, primarily designed to facilitate the movement of aircraft on the ground. One of their main functions is to connect runways and ramps, enabling aircraft to travel safely and efficiently between these critical areas.

Runways are specifically designated for takeoff and landing, while ramps are areas where aircraft are parked, loaded, or unloaded. The taxiways serve as the pathways that link these two functions, allowing aircraft to transition from landing on a runway to parking at a ramp or from a ramp to the runway for takeoff. Their design ensures that aircraft can maneuver without interfering with other operations, thus maintaining safety and efficiency at the airport.

The other options, while relevant to airport operations, do not capture the primary function of taxiways. For instance, taxiways do not serve as parking areas or directly provide pathways for takeoff. They also do not protect aircraft from the elements, which is typically the role of hangars or covered parking areas.