Landside, Airside and the Security Restricted Area (SRA)
Last updated: 6 Jul 2026Reviewed by Ms. Rubab Nizami, Lead AVSEC Faculty
In short
An airport is divided into zones that get tighter as you move in: landside is the public area before security, airside is past the security check near the aircraft, and the Security Restricted Area (SRA) is the most protected airside zone. Your AEP works only in the zones you are cleared for.
- Landside
- Public, before security
- Airside
- Past security, near aircraft
- SRA
- Most protected airside zone
What is the difference between landside and airside?
Landside is the public part of the airport before the security check — check-in halls, forecourt and arrivals. Airside is everything beyond the check — gates, aprons and runways — where only screened passengers and AEP-holders may go.
What is a Security Restricted Area (SRA)?
A Security Restricted Area is the most protected part of airside, where the tightest controls apply — such as departure areas after screening and baggage make-up. Entry needs a valid AEP for that specific zone, and everyone is screened.
At a glance
- Landside = public, before security.
- Airside = past security, near the aircraft.
- SRA = the most protected airside zone.
- Your AEP only works in the zones you are cleared for.
Quick answers
Which airport zone is the most secure?
The Security Restricted Area (SRA) — the most protected part of airside.
Can anyone walk onto the runway?
No. The runway is airside; access needs screening and a valid AEP.