What does the term "air traffic control tower" oversee?

The term "air traffic control tower" is primarily associated with managing the safe movement of aircraft within the airspace immediately surrounding an airport and during their takeoff and landing phases. This includes coordinating the flow of air traffic to ensure that planes can safely arrive and depart without conflicting with each other. The air traffic controllers work within the tower to provide instruction, monitor aircraft positions, and manage the sequencing of arrivals and departures to maintain safety and efficiency in the airspace.

In contrast, ground transportation logistics within the airport, passenger check-in operations, and aircraft fueling procedures are essential services related to airport operations, but they fall outside the direct responsibilities of the air traffic control tower. Each of these functions is managed by separate teams or departments focusing on different aspects of airport logistics and operations.