Lennuväli

Lennuväli is Estonian for an airfield or airstrip, a defined area of land or water designated for the takeoff and landing of aircraft and for related aviation operations. A lennuväli typically includes runways or landing strips, taxiways, aprons, and often hangars, navigation aids, and support facilities. The term covers both civilian and military facilities and can refer to public-use aerodromes as well as smaller private airfields.

In practice, Lennuvälid vary greatly in size and services. Small fields may have unpaved runways, limited equipment, and no control tower, operating under uncontrolled airspace and standard communication procedures. Larger facilities function as airports with passenger terminals, cargo facilities, air traffic control, and more comprehensive services. The arrangement of runways, ramps, and maintenance areas is influenced by local geography, traffic needs, and safety requirements.

Regulation and safety: The use and management of lennuväljad follow national aviation regulations and are harmonized with European Union rules and international standards set by organizations such as ICAO and EASA. Standards cover airspace management, runway design, navigation and communication systems, safety procedures, and environmental and noise considerations. Oversight typically involves national aviation authorities and, for international operations, airport and carrier compliance with international norms.

Overview in Estonia: Estonia maintains a network of public and private lennuväljad, including the country’s main international airport in Tallinn as well as regional and private airfields used for general aviation, training, and, in some cases, military purposes.