What is the designated area where aircraft are parked when not in use?

The designated area where aircraft are parked when not in use is commonly referred to as "the ramp." This area, often seen at airports, serves as a multi-functional space where various ground handling activities take place, including the parking of aircraft. The ramp typically allows for the boarding and disembarking of passengers, refueling, and other maintenance work.

The hangar, while also used for parking aircraft, specifically refers to a covered building designed for sheltering and performing repairs on aircraft, thus serving a different primary purpose. The taxiway is a pathway that connects ramps to runways, designed for aircraft movement but not for parking. The runway is a designated strip used specifically for takeoffs and landings, clearly distinct from areas intended for parking. Therefore, the ramp serves the role of an active parking area while accommodating various aircraft handling operations.