A blast pad is:
- An area before the threshold that is prepared to resist erosion arising from jet exhaust or propeller wash
- Not designed to support the weight of an aircraft
- Marked with yellow chevrons when over 60 metres in length
A stopway is:
- A rectangular area on the ground at the end of takeoff run available prepared as a suitable area in which an aeroplane can be stopped in the case of a rejected takeoff
- Marked over its entire length with yellow chevrons when its length exceeds 60 metres
- Lit with red edge and end lights in the take-off direction
- Included in the accelerate-stop distance available (ASDA) declared for the runway
Although they may appear similar, stopways can support the full weight of an aircraft and are designated for use during a rejected takeoff, while blast pads are not designed to support aircraft weight.