Airports And Their Country Locations: A Guide

International airports are hubs that enable passengers to travel between countries. They are usually larger than domestic airports and have longer runways to accommodate heavier aircraft used for international or intercontinental travel. These airports often host domestic flights as well, and their operations have become increasingly sophisticated since the mid-20th century. A question that often arises is: what country are you in when you're at an international airport or on a flight? This is a complex issue due to the intricate web of immigration laws and overlapping jurisdictions. Interestingly, some countries do not have their own airports due to space constraints or geographical limitations. These include Monaco, San Marino, Andorra, Liechtenstein, and the Vatican, which rely on nearby airports in other countries or alternative modes of transport.

Countries without airports

There are five countries in the world that do not have any airports. All of these countries are in Europe. The countries are:

Andorra

Andorra is a small country nestled in the Pyrenees mountains between France and Spain. It is known for its scenic landscapes and shopping. Travellers can arrive in the country via mountain roads, enjoying views of rugged peaks and villages. The nearest major airports are located in Toulouse, France, and Barcelona, Spain.

Monaco

Monaco is a small city-state located on the French Riviera, bordering France on three sides and the Mediterranean Sea on the other. It is known for being a haven for the rich and famous. Visitors often arrive via helicopter or yacht, and the nearest major airport is Nice Côte d'Azur Airport in France.

Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein is a small country nestled in the Alps between Austria and Switzerland. It is known for its medieval castles and Alpine scenery. Visitors can arrive via Switzerland or Austria, with the nearest airports being St. Gallen-Altenrhein Airport in Switzerland and Friedrichshafen Airport in Germany.

San Marino

San Marino is a small country surrounded by Italy. It is one of the oldest republics in the world and is rich in famous monuments. The nearest airport is Federico Fellini International Airport in the Italian city of Rimini, with a regular bus service between the two.

Vatican City

Vatican City is the smallest country in the world, located within the city of Rome, Italy. It serves as the seat of the Pope and the centre of the Roman Catholic Church. The closest airports are Rome's Ciampino and Fiumicino airports.

International airports

The topic of which country an individual is in when they are at an international airport or on a flight is a tricky one, involving a complex web of immigration laws and regulations. This question often arises as a thought experiment, but it can have significant implications in certain scenarios, particularly in the context of criminal incidents that occur during flights or in the transition between countries.

IATA, the International Air Transport Association, plays a crucial role in the world of international airports and aviation. Headquartered in Montreal, with an executive office in Geneva, IATA works to represent and serve the airline industry globally. The association has developed a system of IATA 3-letter codes for airports worldwide, providing a standardised method for identifying airports across different countries.

Some notable international airports include those in the United States, Europe, India and its surrounding countries, as well as Canada. These airports handle a significant volume of passenger traffic and play a vital role in facilitating international travel and trade.

Customs and immigration

Immigration

When arriving at an airport in a foreign country, travellers typically encounter immigration checkpoints, often called "passport control" or "border control." Here, travellers present their passports to immigration officers, who verify their identity, inspect necessary documents, and determine their right to enter the country. This may include checking visas, vaccination records, or other required paperwork. Immigration officers may also ask questions about the purpose and duration of the visit, accommodation, and travel itinerary. Some countries may also require fingerprints or photographs as part of the immigration process.

The time taken for immigration procedures can vary. For most passengers, the process is relatively quick, lasting only a few minutes. However, long lines and wait times can occur, especially when multiple international flights arrive simultaneously. To expedite the process, some airports have implemented automated border control or "e-gates."

Customs

Customs procedures are in place to regulate the flow of goods, including personal items, animals, food, and hazardous materials, into and out of a country. After clearing immigration and collecting baggage, travellers proceed to the customs area. Here, they declare any items they are bringing into the country and pay applicable duties or fees. Customs officers may inspect luggage to ensure compliance with regulations and restrictions. Prohibited items, such as certain plants, meats, or restricted goods, must be declared to avoid fines or confiscation.

In some countries, customs procedures may include filling out declaration forms or verbal self-declaration. Additionally, travellers should be aware that customs officers have the authority to search personal belongings, including electronic devices, to ensure compliance with customs regulations.

Layovers and Transit

When travelling with layovers, the customs and immigration procedures can vary. In the Schengen Area, for example, travellers go through immigration at their first point of entry into the Schengen zone but only go through customs at their final destination. Similarly, when travelling on a nonstop flight or with a layover on a single ticket, customs and immigration are typically cleared only once, at the final destination. However, if travellers leave the airport during a long layover, they may need to clear customs at the layover location.

Military airports

Some airports are designated for joint civilian-military use, blending elements of both categories. These joint-use airports contain the facilities of both a civil airport and a military air base. Examples of joint-use airports include:

• Visakhapatnam Airport in India, which operates as a civil enclave on the Indian Navy airbase INS Dega
• Juanda Airport, Halim Perdanakusuma Airport, and Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport in Indonesia, which share facilities with the Indonesian Navy air force and Indonesian Air Force
• Changi Air Base in Singapore, which shares runway facilities with Singapore Changi Airport, the country's main international airport
• Several airports in Japan, including Ibaraki Airport, Komatsu Airport, MCAS Iwakuni, Miho-Yonago Airport, Misawa Airport, Naha Airport, Saga Airport, Shimojishima Airport, and Tokushima Airport, which are shared by civilians and the JSDF and/or USFJ
• Šiauliai International Airport in Lithuania, which uses the runways and infrastructure of the Šiauliai Air Base of the Lithuanian Air Force

Civil enclaves are common in countries like India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, where a portion of a military air base is allocated for domestic air traffic instead of constructing a new civilian airport. These airports often have curfews, typically after sunset, during which civil aircraft are not permitted to operate, and they may also implement altitude restrictions for civilian aircraft.

Airport security

Security measures are implemented both before and after arriving at the airport. Intelligence and law enforcement communities share information with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to identify and prevent potential threats. TSA also relies on the public to report any suspicious activities, such as unattended bags, individuals with threatening items, or attempts to access restricted areas.

At the airport, passengers and their belongings are screened through security checkpoints. These checkpoints are designed to prevent prohibited items and other threats from entering the "sterile" or "secure" area of the airport, where passengers board the aircraft. Standard screening procedures include removing personal electronic devices like laptops and tablets from carry-on bags for separate X-ray screening to detect potential explosives or other dangerous items. Advanced Imaging Technology scanners, introduced in 2010, can detect non-metallic prohibited items like matches or drugs, enhancing security beyond traditional metal detectors.

In addition to security personnel, some countries, like Spain, also involve police forces and private security guards in airport security. The specific measures and procedures may vary across countries and airports, adapting to evolving threats and local regulations. For example, passengers flying into the US from specific last-point-of-departure airports may experience more extensive screening, including additional checks on personal electronic devices.

While airport security measures are crucial for safety, they also introduce challenges, such as hygiene risks. Efforts are made to balance security and convenience, with continuous adjustments to procedures to address emerging threats while minimising inconvenience to travellers.

Frequently asked questions