What does the phrase 'CLEARED TO THE AIRPORT' indicate?

The phrase 'CLEARED TO THE AIRPORT' signifies that the aircraft has received authorization to proceed toward the airport in accordance with its planned route or flight plan. This is a key directive from air traffic control indicating that the aircraft can make its way to the destination, which may include vectors or specific routing instructions.

This communication also implies that the necessary conditions for a safe arrival, such as traffic management, weather, and runway availability, have been established, allowing the flight to continue as intended. It communicates to the pilot that they are clear of any restrictions that would prevent their successful approach and landing at the airport.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately capture the full meaning of this phrase. For instance, indicating that the aircraft has permission to land would be more specific to the landing phase itself, while being in the airspace of the airport refers to its location and does not imply permission or readiness for landing. A requirement to perform a go-around is a directive issued when landing conditions are not favorable, which is the opposite of being cleared to the airport.