What does the term "hold short" mean in airport operations?

The term "hold short" refers specifically to instructions given to pilots to stop their aircraft before reaching a runway or taxiway. This is a critical directive in airport operations, aimed at ensuring safety and preventing collisions on active runways. When pilots are told to "hold short," they are required to remain at a designated point until they receive further clearance, allowing air traffic control to manage the flow of traffic effectively and maintain an orderly operation within the airport environment.

This instruction is vital for maintaining the necessary separation between aircraft, particularly at busy airports where multiple aircraft may be taxiing to or from runways. Proper adherence to "hold short" instructions helps prevent runway incursions, which are serious safety risks involving aircraft, vehicles, or personnel on the active runway.