What does the term "runway incursion" refer to?

The term "runway incursion" specifically refers to the incorrect presence of an aircraft on the runway. This situation poses a significant safety risk as it can lead to potential collisions or near-misses between aircraft or between an aircraft and ground vehicles. Runway incursions can occur for various reasons, including miscommunication between pilots and air traffic control, errors in navigation, or operational mistakes. It is critical for airport operations to minimize these incidents to ensure the safety of all users of the airport. Understanding this definition helps in recognizing the importance of strict adherence to runway and taxiway protocols to maintain safe operations within the airfield environment.