Airports

An airport is a facility that enables air travel by providing the infrastructure for aircraft to take off, land, and park, and for passengers, freight, and support services. Airports link regions to national and international networks and serve as central nodes in the air transport system.

Key components include runways and taxiways for aircraft movement, aprons for parking, terminals for passenger processing, control towers with navigation systems, and ground handling facilities such as baggage, fueling, security screening, and catering. Larger airports also host cargo facilities, hotels, and offices.

Types include international airports with customs and immigration, domestic airports serving only internal flights, regional airports for smaller markets, cargo airports focused on freight, general aviation airports for private pilots, and military airports. Some facilities function as airline hubs within wider networks.

Operations include air traffic control coordinating takeoffs and landings; security screening, check-in, baggage handling, and boarding; and customs and immigration procedures at international airports. Cargo handling and warehousing support freight movement.

Economics and safety: airports require substantial investment and provide employment and regional activity. They are regulated to international standards by ICAO and IATA; safety management, runway inspections, and incident reporting are standard practices.

Environment and planning: airports address noise, emissions, water and land use, and pursue sustainable development through planning, noise abatement, and efficiency improvements such as optimized runway usage and modern operations technology.

History and development: early airfields evolved into formal airports in the 20th century, expanding with commercial air travel and jet aircraft, and continuing to evolve with larger terminals, security measures, and advanced air traffic control.