Aerodromi

Aerodromi are facilities designed for the operation of aircraft for passenger, cargo, or military use. They provide infrastructure for takeoff and landing, aircraft parking, passenger movement, and ground handling, and they typically include runways, taxiways, aprons, terminals, air traffic control, navigation aids, and maintenance areas.

Airport types vary by function and scope. Civil aerodromes include international airports, regional or domestic airports, and cargo facilities. Private airfields serve private or corporate aviation. Military aerodromes support defense operations. Some aerodromes accommodate seaplanes and floatplanes, known as water aerodromes or seaplane bases.

Key infrastructure includes runways or water landing areas, taxiways, aprons, passenger terminals, control towers or approach facilities, meteorological services, and navigation and communication systems (for example ILS, VOR, NDB). Security screening, baggage handling, customs and immigration for international traffic, fuel, and ground support equipment are common components.

Governance and standards: national aviation authorities regulate operations and safety, aligned with international standards from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and, for commercial air travel, the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Airports receive IATA airport codes and ICAO designators (for example LAX/KLAX). Operations focus on safety, efficiency, and capacity management.

Impact and trends: aerodromi are critical for mobility, tourism, and trade, but face environmental and community impacts, including noise and emissions. Ongoing modernization aims to improve throughput, security, and sustainability through terminal renovations, runway upgrades, air traffic management optimization, and alternative energy use.