What does the term "runway change" involve during airport operations?

The term "runway change" primarily involves shifting the runway in use due to weather conditions or safety concerns. This can occur when, for example, visibility is reduced due to fog or thunderstorms, necessitating the use of a different runway that may be more suitable for prevailing conditions. Safety is a paramount concern in airport operations, and adjusting runway usage is a key operational tactic to ensure that aircraft can land and take off safely.

This understanding reflects the dynamic nature of airport operations, where environmental factors can greatly influence decision-making to maintain safety and efficiency. The other options involve different aspects of runway management but do not specifically address the context of changing the active runway due to immediate operational needs, which is central to the concept of a "runway change."