International airports are gateways to the world and connect travelers to different parts of the globe. These airports provide essential international travel facilities in support of tourism, business, and freight transport across international boundaries. International airports typically feature long-distance international flights, the majority of them being scheduled flights, private, and chartered flights.
The emergence of international airports has enabled not only easier and more convenient global travel, but also the foundation of the global freight network. These airports offer a plethora of services, from passport control to shopping, entertainment and transportation options that have improved the travel experience for passengers. International airports serve as hubs for cargo, banking, and telecommunications and act as a point of connection between countries and cultures. International airports widely facilitate the import and export of goods and services, thus playing a critical role in the development of a country’s economy. International airports are also home to several services including immigration and customs control, currency exchange, medical facilities, lost and found services, checking and security, airline offices and lounges, and retail outlets.
Key Takeaways
1. International airports are home to a variety of operations such as customs, passenger processing, security, loading, unloading, cargo, and aircraft fueling.
2. One of the most important factors for international airports is to be able to efficiently and safely manage high volumes of aircrafts and passengers.
3. International airports are subject to security regulation from international organizations such as the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and national aviation authorities.
4. The performance and quality of an international airport are largely dependent on the airport’s infrastructure that covers all the necessary operations and services for the airport to function smoothly.
5. A successful international airport must have adequate capital investments to build, expand, redevelop, operate, and maintain its infrastructure.
What are the World’s Largest International Airports?
Air travel is a popular travel option for business and leisure travelers alike, and many cities throughout the world have established international airports, while some are particularly expansive, accommodating an enormous amount of passengers every single day. The following is a list and description of the world’s greatest international airports, ranked by their size and scope.
1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, USA
Located in Atlanta, Georgia, the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the world’s largest and busiest airport, serving over 89 million passengers annually. The airport covers an area of 4,700 acres and is composed of seven concourses, two main terminals, a commuter terminal and two international concourses. With over 300 daily flights, direct flights to nearly 150 destinations and the world’s most active runway, Atlanta is the epitome of an international airport.
2. Beijing Capital International Airport, China
The Beijing Capital International Airport is the second-largest international airport in the world, serving over 86 million passengers a year. This airport is located about 18 miles away from the city center of Beijing and covers an area of 3,875 acres. It has three parallel runways, three terminals and two satellite buildings. Additionally, passengers can take advantage of their extensive free WiFi service and over 80,000 square meters of retail space within the airport’s walls.
3. Dubai International Airport, United Arab Emirates
The Dubai International Airport is the third-largest, housing over 83 million passengers per year. It is located in Southern Dubai and is home to the world’s first and the largest airport terminal, Terminal 3. The airport has won several awards for its design, amenities and customer service, and it provides direct service to over 170 destinations.
4. Tokyo Haneda Airport, Japan
The Tokyo Haneda Airport, located 8 miles away from Tokyo’s city center, is the forth-largest international airport, and one of two major airports in Tokyo. It serves over 82 million passengers a year and covers an area of about 2,800 acres. This airport offers two distinct terminals- the International Terminal and the Domestic Terminal. Both terminals feature a variety of restaurants and retail shops.
5. Los Angeles International Airport, USA
The Los Angeles International Airport is the fifth-largest international airport in the world, serving over 81 million passengers annually. This airport covers nearly 3,600 acres and consists of four Terminals. Additionally, this airport is home to the longest runway in the country, at 13,000 feet. LAX is the only airport in the United States that offers flights to all six occupied continents.
Tips for Navigating International Airports Easily
Traveling to a new country can be stressful and time-consuming, and one of the biggest obstacles is navigating a different airport for the first time. In order to make the experience as seamless as possible, the following are a few tips to remember when traveling through an international airport:
1. Research the airport beforehand and familiarize yourself with the layout.
2. Arrive to the airport at least two hours before your flight leaves in order to ensure you have enough time to get through security.
3. Bring any necessary forms and documents such as passports and visas, for example, and keep them handy and accessible.
4. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing that are easy to take off and put back on, as this will speed up the security process.
5. Be aware of any particular customs and regulations in the country you are entering.
6. Have the necessary currency available for any fees during your journey.
7. Download any travel apps that can help you navigate your way around the airport quickly.
8. Do not forget to check-in and tag your luggage with the correct destination.
What are the requirements for international airports?
International airports must meet certain criteria in order to be classified as such. These include the availability of customs and immigration services, a certain number of operational runways, and specific types of equipment to facilitate international travel. Generally speaking, the size of the surrounding city and the number of flights coming in and out of the airport is also a large factor.
What types of services are found at international airports?
International airports offer a variety of services geared toward travelers transiting from one country to another. Passengers usually find access to international phone services, currency exchange counters, transportation arrangements, and airport lounges. In addition, international airports often have a wide selection of restaurants and shops to provide for the needs of passengers.
What are the security measures at international airports?
International airports are subject to heightened security protocols in order to ensure the safety of travelers. All passengers must undergo security screening at the gate and sometimes additional screenings in order to be granted access to the flight. It is also commonplace for international airports to have more robust security presence such as police officers, random bag inspections, and metal detectors.
Which international airports are the busiest?
According to the Airports Council International, the world’s busiest airports in terms of total passenger traffic are Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) in the United States, Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) in China, and Dubai International Airport (DXB) in United Arab Emirates. Together these airports saw over 150 million passengers in 2018.
What other types of activities take place at international airports?
International airports are a base for a host of activities involving both passengers and non-passengers. Aside from the regular activities associated with air travel, many airports feature art galleries, live musical performances, and guided tours of the premises. Some airports also serve as a hub for different business and promotional activities.
How often do international airports require upkeep and maintenance?
Airports are regularly inspected for safety and up-to-date equipment by federal agencies and local governments to ensure passenger safety. In addition, airports typically require more frequent upkeep and maintenance compared to other kinds of infrastructure since planes and their components are exposed to fatigue factors such as air pressure, temperature, and humidity. These operations are usually performed on daily and monthly basis.
How do I find out more information about international airports?
People interested in learning more about international airports can visit the websites of the Airports Council International or the Federal Aviation Administration. Additionally, most airports maintain their own websites that provide detailed information about their services, contact information, flight schedules, and more.
What safety tips should I know when traveling to an international airport?
When travelling to an international airport, the first safety tip is to arrive early so you have enough time to get through security and check in. Additionally, it is important to be aware of your surroundings, to monitor all personal items, and to keep your documents and identification readily accessible. Of course, it is also crucial to obey all safety instructions given by airport personnel.
Which is the oldest international airport in the world?
The oldest international airport still in operation is the Hounslow Heath Aerodrome (now London Heathrow Airport) in the United Kingdom, which opened it’s doors to the public back in 1930.
Which is the most expensive airport in the world?
Currently, the world’s most expensive airport is the New Doha International Airport (DOH) in Qatar, which cost a reported $16 billion to build.
Final Thoughts
International airports are a cornerstone of the global travel and transportation network, and they are a testament to the amazing feats of engineering and infrastructure made possible through cooperation and innovation. With the burgeoning growth of international travel, these extraordinary airports have become increasingly complex and a vital part of our world today.
The importance of international airports indicates the need of governments, infrastructure providers, and airlines to continue to work together to improve the availability of efficient and safe airports worldwide. Considering the number of people who use such facilities and the investments that go into maintaining them, international airports remain key gateways to the diverse world we live in.
