A runway is a smooth pathway, usually but not necessarily paved, which is designed for airplanes, drones, or spacecraft to use for take-offs and landings. It is intended for flying vehicles needing to travel a long stretch on land using wheels or skis; consequently heliports, dirigible launches, and rocket launches are not classified as runways.

The pathway provides a ground run for an aircraft on wheels or skis. Its surface need not be paved to serve this purpose.

A site used only for vertical departure or arrival is outside the runway form. This separates the ground-running path from a helicopter pad or a rocket launch site.