Tower Control is responsible for the active runway surfaces. Tower Control ensures the runway is clear for take off and landing. To accomplish this, Tower Control controllers are normally given 2 to 5 nautical miles (4 to 9 km) of airspace around the airport, allowing them to give the clearances necessary for airport safety.

Within the tower, a highly disciplined communications process is an absolute necessity between the controller, pilots and vehicles on the manoeuvring area.