Roberta Aguirre
Many large cities around the world have multiple airports, for example, London has six, Rome has two, Moscow has four, and Beijing has two. Airports are typically built outside of major cities, where there is more land available for expansion. This is because larger aircraft need more space for runway safety areas and there may be issues with noise ordinances if the airport is located too close to a city centre.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Accessibility | Airports located closer to a city center are more accessible to passengers. |
| Space Constraints | Airports in major cities may face limitations in terms of space for expansion, especially with the presence of tall buildings and safety requirements for runway extensions. |
| Noise Concerns | Airports situated near residential areas can cause noise disturbances, leading to noise ordinance issues. |
| Operational Efficiency | Concentrating airline operations at a single airport ensures viability and sufficient passenger traffic to sustain major airlines and generate revenue. |
| Political and Budgetary Factors | Poor long-term planning, budgetary constraints, and local land use restrictions can impact the construction of new airports or expansion projects. |
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What You'll Learn
Safety: Airports need space for runway safety areas
Safety is a critical consideration when deciding where to build an airport. Airports require ample space for runway safety areas, and in some cases, older airports located within cities may struggle to expand due to a lack of available land. For example, Kansas City's MCI airport was built outside the city to replace the MKC airport, which larger aircraft had outgrown. There was simply no room in MKC to accommodate the necessary runway safety areas, and it was surrounded by high bluffs and tall buildings that made for tight approaches.
Runway safety areas are essential to mitigate the risks associated with aircraft overrunning the runway during takeoff or landing. These areas provide a clear, level surface beyond the end of the runway that can help prevent accidents and reduce damage if a plane veers off the runway. The size and configuration of these safety areas are dictated by various factors, including the type of aircraft using the airport and the surrounding terrain.
In the case of Kansas City's MKC airport, its location in the city center likely restricted its ability to expand. Tall buildings and geographical features like bluffs in close proximity to the airport can hinder aircraft operations and limit expansion options. By contrast, MCI, located outside the city, had more land available for expansion and the establishment of adequate runway safety areas.
The availability of land is a significant factor in airport planning and development. Airports require significant amounts of land not just for runways and safety areas but also for supporting infrastructure, such as taxiways, terminals, and parking facilities. In densely populated urban areas, acquiring the necessary land can be challenging and costly, often leading to protracted political and budgetary battles. As a result, some airports opt to expand their existing infrastructure, but even these efforts can take years due to the complex dynamics involved in urban planning and the resistance from local communities concerned about noise and other impacts on their quality of life.
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Expansion: Airports require room to expand, which is limited in cities
Airports are often located near major cities due to the need for accessible transportation hubs for passengers and cargo. However, as cities expand and aviation technology evolves, airports must also expand to accommodate larger aircraft and increasing traffic.
Expansion requires significant land acquisition, which is typically more accessible in rural areas than in densely populated urban centres. In the case of Kansas City, the old airport, MKC, was constrained by its location within the city, with limited space for expansion and challenging approaches due to nearby geographical features. As larger aircraft outgrew the airport, the decision was made to build a new one, MCI, in a rural location with more available land.
The expansion of runways for safety is a critical consideration for airports. However, acquiring the necessary land for expansion can be politically challenging and time-consuming, even when the need is apparent. Local land-use restrictions and budget constraints further complicate expansion efforts, as airports compete for resources and community acceptance.
Noise ordinances also play a role in airport expansion. Airports located near city centres may offer convenient access, but the noise generated by aircraft can be a significant concern for residents. As a result, airports may opt to expand further away from populated areas to mitigate noise impact.
Additionally, the perception of flight as a service for the wealthy influences airport expansion plans. With flight no longer viewed as the travel mode of the future, airports face pressure from voters and budgetary constraints. This dynamic further complicates the expansion process, as airports must navigate community sentiments and financial limitations.
In summary, airports require room to expand to accommodate larger aircraft, increasing traffic, and evolving safety standards. However, expansion within cities is limited due to space constraints, political and budgetary challenges, noise considerations, and shifting perceptions of air travel. As a result, many airports opt for expansion in rural areas or build new airports altogether, as evident in the case of Kansas City's transition from MKC to MCI.
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Noise: Airports located near city centres cause noise issues
Airports located near city centres are a source of noise issues for nearby residents. The noise from airplanes, particularly during take-off and landing, has been found to be a significant nuisance for those living in the vicinity of airports. This is compounded by the noise from other transportation sources, such as urban rail transit and high-speed railways, which are often necessary for connecting travellers to the airport.
The impact of this noise pollution extends beyond mere annoyance, as it has been shown to cause sleep disturbances for residents. This disruption to sleep can have a detrimental effect on the health and well-being of those affected, leading to physical and psychological issues. For example, studies have found a positive correlation between road traffic noise and hypertension, with those exposed to such noise having an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
The structure of buildings in close proximity to airports can also amplify the noise experienced by residents. For instance, sound pressure levels below 40 Hz are amplified due to structure-borne noise radiating from vertical sound barriers. This means that the noise experienced by residents in buildings with similar features is even greater than what would otherwise be expected.
The negative impact of airport noise on nearby residents has been recognised, with some airports taking steps to address the issue. For example, Kansas City's old airport, MKC, was replaced by MCI, which is located outside the city where there is more land available for expansion. This move was partly influenced by noise considerations, as an airport located closer to the city centre can be a "nightmare" for noise ordinances.
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Accessibility: Airports in major cities are easily accessible
Accessibility is a key factor in the decision to build airports within or near major cities. Airports situated in close proximity to urban centres offer several advantages in terms of accessibility for passengers and airlines alike.
Firstly, the strategic placement of an airport near a major city enhances its accessibility for the local population. Residents of the city and its surrounding areas benefit from shorter travel distances and reduced travel time when utilising an airport that is conveniently located nearby. This ease of access can be a significant factor in an individual's decision to choose air travel, particularly for those residing within the immediate vicinity of the airport.
Additionally, the concentration of airline operations in a single airport serving a major city can streamline accessibility for passengers. In the case of multiple airports within a metropolitan area, coordinating and interconnecting these facilities efficiently can be challenging. By centralising operations in one airport, cities can provide a more seamless experience for travellers, who can conveniently access a wider range of destinations from a single hub. This centralised model also enables airlines to optimise their services, ensuring sufficient passenger traffic and revenue to sustain operations.
The accessibility of an airport located near a major city is further enhanced by the availability of ground transportation options. Efficient ground transportation networks, including roads, railways, or public transport systems, facilitate seamless connections between the airport and the city it serves. This integration with existing transportation infrastructure not only improves accessibility for travellers but also contributes to the overall efficiency of the airport's operations.
Moreover, the proximity of an airport to a major city can foster accessibility through the development of supporting infrastructure. Airports often serve as catalysts for economic growth and urban development in their surrounding areas. The establishment of commercial and residential establishments, hotels, and transportation hubs near airports enhances their accessibility and transforms them into vibrant centres of activity. This synergistic relationship between the airport and its surrounding infrastructure improves the overall accessibility of the region, benefiting both travellers and local residents.
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Revenue: Airports need to generate revenue to survive
Airports are expensive to run and maintain, and they need to generate revenue to survive. Building an airport requires significant capital expenditure, and the airport needs to be able to recoup this investment and turn a profit. Airports typically generate revenue through a variety of means, including landing fees, parking charges, and concessions.
Landing fees are charged to airlines for the use of the airport's runways and other infrastructure. These fees can vary depending on the size and weight of the aircraft, the time of day, and the level of congestion at the airport. For example, larger aircraft may be subject to higher fees due to their greater use of resources and impact on the environment.
Parking charges are levied on both passengers and employees, with long-term parking options available for those going on extended trips or needing regular access to the airport. Airports may also offer premium parking services, providing travellers with closer and more convenient access to the terminal for an additional fee.
Concessions, which include the various shops, restaurants, and other services within the airport, are another significant source of revenue. Airports typically lease space to a variety of businesses, including duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes, newsstands, and even luxury brands. These businesses pay rent to the airport and may also provide a percentage of their sales revenue.
In addition to these primary sources of revenue, airports may also generate income through advertising, office rentals, and cargo handling fees. Some airports may even offer membership programs that provide travellers with access to exclusive lounges and other benefits for an annual fee.
The ability to generate sufficient revenue is crucial for the survival of an airport. Without a healthy cash flow, an airport cannot maintain its facilities, expand to accommodate growing demand, or provide the level of service that travellers expect. In the highly competitive aviation industry, an airport that fails to generate adequate revenue may find itself struggling to attract airlines and passengers, ultimately leading to its decline.
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Frequently asked questions
Airports are usually built near major cities to provide easier access for travellers.
Multiple airports require rapid and reliable transit systems between them, which are difficult to implement without encroaching on existing land.
Noise ordinances, runway safety, and space for future expansion are all important considerations when building an airport near a major city.
