Lois Larson
There are various factors that determine whether an airport is considered 'major'. The most common definition is based on the number of passengers passing through the airport annually, with some sources stating that a major airport should have more than 10,000 passenger boardings each year, while others suggest a threshold of 1.5 million. Another factor is the number of flights, with some suggesting that a major airport should handle over 1500 flights a day. The number of airlines operating from an airport is also considered, with some suggesting a minimum of 20 foreign airlines for an airport to be considered major. Other factors include the focus on long-haul flights, the number of heavy aircraft, and the number of destinations served. Additionally, the term ''hub' is used by the FAA to identify busy commercial service airports, with large hubs accounting for at least 1% of total US passenger enplanements.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Airlines | 15-25 or more |
| Number of Foreign Airlines | At least 20 |
| Number of Destinations | High |
| Number of Passengers | More than 10,000 per year |
| Annual Passenger Throughput | More than 1.5 million |
| Number of Movements | More than 50,000 per year |
| Focus on Long-Haul | Yes |
| Aircraft Type | Multiple Heavy Aircraft |
| Infrastructure | Large areas for automobile parking, shuttle services, transportation connections (rail networks, taxi, shuttle services, public buses) |
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What You'll Learn
Annual passenger numbers
The annual passenger number is a key criterion for classifying an airport as major. A major airport is defined as any airport that has or is designed to have an annual passenger throughput of more than 1.5 million. Airports with high passenger numbers are often hubs for a large number of airlines and destinations.
The number of passengers passing through an airport is a crucial factor in determining its status as a major airport. Airports with a high volume of passengers are typically considered major hubs and are often classified as such by government or aviation authorities. These airports serve a significant number of travellers and play a vital role in facilitating air transportation in a region.
The annual passenger count also impacts an airport's operations and infrastructure. Airports with high passenger traffic require efficient systems for managing passenger flow, baggage handling, and ground transportation. They may have multiple terminals, sophisticated transportation networks, and advanced passenger services to accommodate the large volume of travellers.
Additionally, annual passenger numbers can influence an airport's commercial activities and economic impact. Airports with substantial passenger traffic often attract a diverse range of airlines, including foreign carriers. This diversity contributes to the airport's commercial success and enhances its reputation as a major aviation hub. The high passenger volume also generates significant revenue through various airport services, such as retail, dining, and parking.
While annual passenger numbers are a critical factor, other aspects, such as the number of airlines served, the focus on long-haul flights, and the presence of heavy aircraft, also contribute to an airport's status as a major hub. The combination of high passenger traffic and a diverse range of aviation services solidifies an airport's position as a major player in the global aviation industry.
Moreover, annual passenger numbers can vary significantly between airports, with some handling millions of passengers each year. For example, Dubai International Airport is the busiest airport in the world by international passenger traffic, with over 83 million international passengers. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is also considered a major airport, ranking 7th busiest globally, with many passengers starting or ending their travel there rather than connecting flights.
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Number of airlines
The number of airlines operating in an airport is one of the factors that determine whether an airport is considered major. However, there is no clear consensus on the minimum number of airlines required for an airport to be considered major. Some people believe that an airport can be considered major even if it is served by only one airline, as long as it is an enormous hub for that particular airline. For example, Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world's busiest airport by passenger count, only has 18 airlines serving it. Similarly, Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is considered a major airport despite only having 15 airlines, as it handles over 1500 flights per day.
On the other hand, some people argue that an airport should have at least 20 foreign airlines operating to be considered major. Airports that serve as global hubs, with many long-haul overseas flights and a large enough origin and destination (O&D) market to attract multiple global carriers, are often considered major. For instance, London Heathrow Airport (LHR) has 62 long-haul and foreign airlines operating, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has 50, Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) has 45, and Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) has 30.
It is worth noting that the term "major" is subjective and is not an official classification. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) classifies airports primarily by passenger count rather than the number of airlines. Additionally, other factors such as the number of destinations, the number of passengers, and the amount of cargo handled also play a significant role in defining a major airport.
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Long-haul focus
While there is no definitive answer to what constitutes a major airport, there are several factors that can help determine whether an airport is considered major or not. One of the key considerations is the number of passengers and annual passenger throughput. An airport with a high volume of passenger traffic, exceeding one and a half million annually, is typically considered a major airport. This includes passengers on both international and domestic flights, with some airports, such as LAX, having a significant number of passengers who start or end their journey there rather than connecting flights.
Another factor is the number of destinations served and the focus on long-haul flights. Major airports usually have a wide reach, offering connections to a large number of destinations, including international ones. They also tend to accommodate a significant number of long-haul flights, catering to larger aircraft commonly used for international and intercontinental travel, such as the Boeing 747 and Airbus A380. These larger aircraft require longer runways and specialised facilities, which major airports are equipped to handle.
The presence of multiple foreign airlines further contributes to an airport's status as a major hub. Typically, a major airport should host at least 20 foreign airlines, with a diverse range of international flight options. Additionally, the volume of cargo handled by an airport is also a consideration. Major airports tend to have a substantial cargo throughput, catering to both passenger and cargo airlines.
It is worth noting that the term “hub” is often used by aviation authorities to describe busy commercial service airports. These hubs are categorised as large or medium based on their percentage of total passenger enplanements. The number of flights an airport handles also plays a role in its perception as a major airport, with airports handling a significant number of daily flights, even if they primarily serve domestic routes, still considered major.
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Cargo volume
Air cargo is an essential component of the transportation industry, with shipments being flown across the globe daily. The demand for air cargo has increased due to strong e-commerce, maritime shipping disruptions, and declining jet fuel prices. Air cargo is particularly crucial for perishable and time-sensitive goods.
Some airports that handle substantial cargo volumes include Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF), Miami International Airport (MIA), and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). SDF is a significant cargo hub, home to the UPS Worldport, processing over 2.6 million metric tonnes annually. MIA handles over 2.3 million metric tonnes annually and serves as a gateway to Latin America. LAX is a crucial gateway for US-Asia trade, handling over 2.2 million metric tonnes annually.
Other notable cargo airports include Memphis International Airport (MEM), Hong Kong International Airport (HKG/HKIA), and Incheon International Airport (ICN). These airports have efficient cargo operations and contribute to the smooth functioning of the global supply chain.
To accommodate the increasing demand for cargo, airports are embracing sustainable practices and eco-friendly technologies. The implementation of green energy initiatives and electric ground vehicles helps reduce the carbon footprint of cargo operations. Additionally, the integration of cutting-edge technologies, such as automated handling systems and real-time tracking solutions, further enhances the efficiency of cargo processes.
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Infrastructure and facilities
When it comes to the infrastructure and facilities of a major airport, there are several key considerations. Firstly, a major airport typically serves a large number of passengers and flights. This requires a vast physical infrastructure to accommodate the volume of travellers and aircraft. Large terminals with multiple gates and expansive parking areas for aircraft are common features of major airports. Additionally, efficient baggage handling systems and passenger transit options, such as automated people movers or shuttle services, are essential to manage the high traffic flow.
Another critical aspect of a major airport's infrastructure is its runway system. Major airports often have longer runways to accommodate larger, heavier aircraft commonly used for international and intercontinental travel, such as the Boeing 747 or the Airbus A380. These runways require substantial surrounding land areas and advanced lighting and navigation systems to ensure safe take-offs and landings.
Major airports also require a comprehensive range of facilities to support their operations. Customs and border control facilities are essential for international airports, enabling passengers to seamlessly travel between countries. Additionally, medical facilities play a crucial role in controlling transmissible diseases and ensuring the safety of travellers.
Outside the airport boundaries, additional infrastructure may be necessary. For instance, the Hong Kong International Airport constructed a high-speed railway and an automobile expressway to improve connectivity with urban areas. Major airports often serve as hubs for various airlines, so efficient ground handling services, cargo facilities, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities are also crucial.
Furthermore, major airports often have a focus on long-haul flights, catering to a diverse range of foreign airlines. This requires facilities to accommodate larger aircraft and the corresponding passenger volumes. Efficient management of such facilities is crucial, with sophisticated building, operational, and management systems in place to ensure smooth processes.
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Frequently asked questions
A major airport is any airport that has an annual passenger throughput of more than 1.5 million. It can also refer to a civil airport with more than 50,000 movements (take-offs and landings) per year, excluding those for training purposes.
A primary airport is a commercial service airport that has more than 10,000 passenger boardings each year. A non-primary commercial service airport has between 2,500 and 10,000 passenger boardings annually.
Aside from the number of passengers, some believe that a major airport should have at least 20 foreign airlines, a focus on long-haul flights, and multiple heavy aircraft. The number of destinations, passengers, and cargo are also important factors.
An international airport is an airport with customs and border control facilities, enabling passengers to travel between countries. They are usually larger than domestic airports and have longer runways to accommodate heavier aircraft. International airports often serve as hubs for connecting flights.
