aeródromos

An aeródromo is a defined area of land or water established for the arrival, departure, and movement of aircraft. It encompasses runways or landing surfaces, taxiways, ramps or aprons, hangars, and facilities for air traffic services, navigation, fuel, maintenance, and safety. The term is used in Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking contexts to refer to facilities ranging from small general-aviation airstrips to larger, publicly used facilities, and it is distinct from aeropuerto (airport), which typically implies passenger terminals and customs facilities. Aeródromos can be civil, military, or joint-use facilities.

Operations at an aeródromo depend on its designation and infrastructure. Runways and landing areas may be paved or unpaved and are marked with standard designations; lighting and signage support day and night operations. Many aeródromos are uncontrolled and use a common traffic advisory frequency, while others have a control tower and published instrument procedures. Facilities may include hangars, fuel services, maintenance areas, and emergency services, but the level of service varies by facility size and regulatory status.

Regulation and management are typically the responsibility of national aviation authorities and, where applicable, aeródrome operators. Aeródromos are categorized by size, traffic, and service scope, and may be public-use or private-use. Safety and operating standards cover runway condition, obstacle clearance, approach procedures, and environmental considerations such as noise and wildlife management. They serve general aviation, flight training, cargo, and sometimes commercial air transport on a smaller scale than airports.