Ruth Haines
Airports are complex operations with many stakeholders involved in their management and upkeep. Overall management is usually in the control of an organization, authority, or company that holds a license to operate the facility. This license is granted by national civil aviation authorities, who judge the managing body's fitness and competence to run an airport within national and international laws. While overall responsibility for efficient, safe, and legal operation lies with the airport management, many individual services are provided by other organizations, such as airlines, air traffic control, ground handling companies, security organizations, and government agencies. Airport authorities are responsible for the behind-the-scenes operations at public airports, and in the US, there were 435 independent airport authorities and commissions in 2022. Airports may be municipally owned or financed by bonds, and they generate revenue through landing fees and non-aviation sources.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Overall management and control | Organization, authority, or company that holds a license to operate the facility |
| License granted by | National civil aviation authorities |
| License granted if | Managing body is fit and competent to run an airport within national and, if applicable, international laws governing safety and operations |
| Individual services provided by | Airlines, air traffic control authorities, ground handling companies, fixed-base operators, concessionaires, security organizations, governmental agencies responsible for customs, immigration, health control, and police, support companies providing flight catering, fueling, aircraft engineering, and maintenance, aero clubs, and flying schools |
| Airport authorities | Independent special districts operating as airport authorities, airport commissions, or port authorities |
| Number of airport authorities in the US | 435 |
| Region with the most airport authorities in the US | Midwest (189) |
| Region with the second-most airport authorities in the US | South (159) |
| Airport funding sources | Taxes, bonds, landing fees |
| Airport ownership | Municipal (owned by the city), financed by bonds, private companies |
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What You'll Learn
Airport ownership
In the United States, there are 435 independent airport authorities and commissions, according to the 2022 Census of Governments. These are spread across the country, with the Midwest having the most at 189, followed by the South with 159. These airport authorities are responsible for the behind-the-scenes operations at public airports. Local or state governments may also operate airport authorities, but these are not included in the Census of Governments' interactive map as they are not independently operated.
In Canada, airport authorities usually refer to private, not-for-profit companies that are not government-owned or affiliated. These companies manage a city's commercial airports.
Airports can also be municipally owned, i.e. owned by the city in which the airport is located. Alternatively, airports may be financed by bonds, where the airport borrows money from the city and pays it back in regular instalments.
The overall management of an airport is usually controlled by an organization, authority, or company that holds a license to operate the facility. This license is granted by national civil aviation authorities, which judge whether the managing body is competent to run an airport within national and international laws. Many of the individual services at an airport, such as air traffic control, ground handling, security, catering, and maintenance, are provided by other organizations.
Airports generate revenue through landing fees, which are set based on the landing weight of the aircraft. Non-aviation revenue is also an important measure of an airport's efficiency, with some airports making a significant portion of their revenue through commercial activities.
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Airport authorities
In the United States, there are 435 independent special districts operating as airport authorities, airport commissions, or port authorities. These airport authorities are governed by a group of appointed airport commissioners. Local governments, such as counties and municipalities, and state governments, may also operate airport authorities. For instance, the 2022 Census of Governments revealed that Illinois had the highest number of airport authorities (30) and air transportation revenue ($1.303 billion).
Funding for public airport authorities can come from taxes or bonds, with total revenues potentially exceeding what is generated solely by airport operations. Additionally, airports may be municipally owned, financed by bonds, or owned by the cities in which they are located. Landing fees, which are based on the landing weight of aircraft, are a significant source of revenue for airports.
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Airport funding
Public airports can be funded through various mechanisms, including taxes, bonds, landing fees, tenant rents and fees, and user charges. For example, in the state of Illinois, public airport authorities are funded through a combination of taxes and bonds, resulting in total revenues or expenditures that may exceed those generated by airport operations alone. Landing fees, in particular, are a significant source of income for airports, with rates based on the landing weight of the aircraft. Additionally, airports may generate revenue through non-aviation sources, such as advertising, car parking, and retail outlets.
In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Airport Improvement Program (AIP) is a crucial source of funding for airport infrastructure projects. The AIP provides grants to public agencies and, in some cases, private owners, for the planning and development of public-use airports included in the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS). The AIP focuses on enhancing airport safety, capacity, security, and environmental protection.
Another key funding mechanism is the Passenger Facility Charge (PFC), a locally set user fee mandated by law to fund FAA-approved airport improvement projects. The PFC was established by Congress in 1992 to encourage infrastructure investment and create competition among airlines. However, the PFC has faced criticism due to an outdated federal cap, which has led to a loss of purchasing power. There are calls to modernise the PFC to restore its effectiveness and provide airports with more financial flexibility.
Overall, airports must balance their funding sources and expenses while ensuring safe, secure, and efficient operations. With increasing demands on airport infrastructure, it is essential to explore diverse funding options and update existing mechanisms to meet the evolving needs of the aviation industry.
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Airport management
In the United States, there are 435 independent special districts operating as airport authorities, airport commissions, or port authorities. These entities are responsible for the behind-the-scenes operations at public airports. Additionally, local and state governments may also have a role in operating airport authorities. The Midwest has the highest number of independent airport authorities, with 189, followed by the South with 159.
While airport management oversees the overall operations, many individual services within an airport are provided by other organizations. These include air traffic control authorities, ground handling companies, fixed-base operators, concessionaires, security organizations, and governmental agencies responsible for customs, immigration, and health control. Airports also collaborate with support companies that provide essential services such as flight catering, fueling, aircraft engineering, and maintenance.
The financial aspects of airport management are equally complex. Airports generate revenue through various means, with landing fees being a significant source of income. These fees are based on the landing weight of the aircraft, which is calculated according to the number of passengers and negotiated in contracts. Non-aviation revenue is also crucial, with some airports deriving a substantial portion of their income from sources other than passenger charges. Additionally, public airport authorities can be funded through taxes or bonds, providing additional financial resources for infrastructure development and maintenance.
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Airport safety and security
Airport Safety
Airport safety has become increasingly complex with the rise of commercial, private, and hobbyist aviation. Drones, for example, have caused significant disruptions, such as the four-day shutdown of London Gatwick in 2018. As technology advances, new challenges arise, requiring expensive new technology systems, training, and collaboration between air traffic management, police, and the military.
Weather-related incidents, such as icy runways or poor visibility, also pose significant safety risks. Inconsistent signage, runway markings, and lighting systems across airports can create confusion and increase the risk of accidents.
To improve safety, airports implement measures such as aircraft firefighting and rescue, dealing with foreign object debris, minimising wildlife hazards, and improving overall systems and signage.
Airport Security
Airport security is maintained by a combination of local and federal agencies, law enforcement, and the travelling public. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) plays a significant role in securing airports in the United States. They employ unpredictable security measures, both seen and unseen, to protect against security threats.
Passenger screening and carry-on baggage screening are essential components of TSA's security approach. TSA screens approximately 3.3 million carry-on bags daily for explosives and other dangerous items. Passengers are required to remove large electronic devices from their bags for separate X-ray screening.
Additionally, TSA works closely with intelligence and law enforcement agencies to share information and adjust procedures to meet evolving threats. They also rely on the public to report any suspicious activities, such as unattended bags or individuals attempting to access restricted areas.
Ensuring airport safety and security is a complex and dynamic endeavour that requires the coordination of multiple stakeholders. By implementing robust safety measures, adopting advanced technology, and maintaining vigilant security protocols, airports strive to protect passengers, employees, and aircraft from a wide range of potential threats.
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Frequently asked questions
In the US, airport authorities, airport commissions, or port authorities are in charge of the operations of airports. These are independent special districts, of which there are 435 across the US, according to the 2022 Census of Governments. Local governments, counties, municipalities, and state governments may also operate airport authorities.
Airports may be municipally owned (owned by the city that has the airport) or financed by bonds (money borrowed from the city and paid back in instalments).
Airports make most of their money from landing fees, which are set based on the landing weight of the aircraft.
Many organizations are involved in the operation of a modern airport. While overall responsibility lies with airport management, individual services are provided by airlines, air traffic control authorities, ground handling companies, fixed-base operators, security organizations, governmental agencies responsible for customs, immigration, health control, and police, and support companies providing flight catering, fueling, aircraft engineering, and maintenance.
