What is a runway used for in aviation?

A runway is primarily designed and constructed to facilitate the take-off and landing of aircraft. It serves as the designated area where planes accelerate to achieve the necessary speed for flight or decelerate upon landing. The surface of a runway is typically made of asphalt or concrete to withstand the considerable forces exerted by aircraft as they taxi, take off, and land.

In the context of aviation operations, runways are vital components of an airport's infrastructure. They must be properly maintained to ensure safety and efficiency during aircraft operations. Each runway has specific dimensions and markings that indicate its purpose and the types of aircraft that can safely use it, making it a crucial element in the smooth functioning of air travel.

The other options pertain to different aspects of airport operations and do not accurately define the function of a runway. For instance, while parking and maintenance of aircraft occurs in designated areas, it does not take place on the runway. Similarly, check-in and boarding operations for passengers are conducted in terminals, not on runways. Security screening of luggage is also performed in separate facilities within the airport, further underscoring the unique role of the runway in aviation.