M.2.

Components of
an Airport
RALPH ANGELO B. ESTILLER
Faculty, CE Department
Airports
site and installation for the takeoff and landing of aircraft. An airport usually has
paved runways and maintenance facilities and serves as a terminal for passengers
and cargo.
Landside

Airside
Runway, is a paved land strip on which landing and
takeoff operations of aircrafts takes place. It is in leveled
position without any obstructions on it. Special markings are
made on the runway to differ it from the normal roadways.
Similarly, after sunset, specially provided lightings are helped
the aircrafts for safe landing.

different runway patterns :

• Single runway
• Two runways
• Hexagonal runway
• 45-degree runway
• 60-degree runway
• 60-degree parallel runway
 Single runway is the most common
form. It is enough for light traffic airports or for
occasional usages. This runway is laid in the
direction of wind in that particular area.

Two runway contains two runway which are laid

in different directions by considering cross winds or
wind conditions in that particular area. The runways
may be laid in the form of L shape or T shape or X
shape.
Hexagonal Runway
This is the modern pattern of system of runway laying. In which
the takeoff and landing movements of aircrafts can be permitted
at any given time without any interference. This is most suitable
for heavy traffic airports or busiest airports.

45 degree run way is opted when the wind

coverage for same airfield capacity is greater. This is also
termed as four-way runway.
When the wind in that area is prevailing in many directions,
so, it is difficult to decide the direction in which runway is to
be laid. In that case, 60-degree runway is opted
which looks like triangular arrangement of runways.
Taxiway is path which connects each end of the
runway with terminal area, apron, hanger etc. These are laid
with asphalt or concrete like runways. In modern airports,
taxiways are laid at an angle of 30 degree to the runway so
that aircrafts can use it to change from one runway to other
easily. The turning radius at taxiway and runway meets
should be more than 1.5 times of width of taxiway.

Apron is a place which is used as parking place for

aircrafts. It is also used for loading and unloading of aircrafts.
Apron is generally paved and is located in front of terminal
building or adjacent to hangers.
 Terminal building is a place where
airport administration facilities takes place. In this
building, pre-journey and post journey checking’s of
passengers takes place. Lounges, cafes etc. are provided
for the passengers. Passengers can directly enter the plane
from terminal buildings through sky bridge, walkways etc.
Similarly, the passengers from plane also directly enter
into the terminal building.

The control tower is a place where aircrafts under a

particular zone is controlled whether they are in land or in air. The
observation is done by the controller through radars and
information is carried through radio. The controller from the
control tower observes all the aircrafts with in that zone and
informs pilots about their airport traffic, landing routes, visibility,
wind speeds, runway details, etc. based on which the pilot decides
and attempts safe landing.
Hanger is a place where repairing and servicing of
aircrafts is done. Taxiway connects the hanger with runway so,
when a repair needed for an aircraft it can be moved to hanger
easily. It is constructed in the form of large shed using steel
trusses and frames. Large area should be provided for Hanger
for comfortable movement of aircrafts.

Parking Space is a place provided for parking

the vehicles of airport staff or passengers which is outside the
terminal building or sometimes under the ground of terminal
building.
Airport Design Standards
• Aircraft capabilities and sizes.
• Air traffic control.
• The need for efficient and safe
operations.
• The impact of noise on surrounding
areas.
• The presence of obstructions in the
airspace.
 Airport Planning Process
A master plan is the first aspect of
airport design standards. It’s the big
picture of how the airport will grow and
change over time. Financial
considerations and physical studies are
also a part of this plan, which details the
staged development of the entire airport
region to meet the needs of both aviation
and non-aviation demand and land use
around the airport.
A master plan for an airport should accomplish four main goals:
• Development of the airport’s physical facilities and the future use
of land near the airport
• Establishment of a schedule of priorities for the implementation of
the phase advancement and enhancement proposed in the plan
• Determination of the innovative and financial requirements of the
proposed development
• Documentation of policies and future aerospace demand regarding
spending, depreciation, and other financial considerations.
 Forecasting Airport Traffic
A detailed and reasonable
projection of future traffic is The following are some crucial aspects to take into
essential for airport planning and account while designing an airport:
creating a viable airport
investment program. • Distinct local demographic irregularities
• Regional considerations that will impact air travel
demand
• Budgetary shifts that free up more disposable incomes
for some vacationers all increase vacation flights
• New resorts and meeting sectors or capacities that
would entice vacationers
• Competing airports in the area whose operations might
detract from the proposed airport
 Capacity and Timeline Analysis of Requirements
Having compiled an inventory of airport assets and examined their
current state, planners may now assess whether or not the airport can
handle the anticipated influx of passengers.

The first step is calculating the airport’s capacity to the demand, paying
close attention to the delay that will occur at peak hours.

The second major component of the study of the needs is determining

how effectively the airport can handle traffic control in both good and
bad weather flight circumstances.
 Choice of Airport Location: Factors to Consider
The conditions within ten miles of the airport site will frequently
impact the outcome of the airport’s construction. Site placement and
runway orientation rely heavily on the airspace and accompanying
ground tracks along the runway’s take-off and landing corridors.

Design and Layout (Geometric Design of Airport)

Before beginning any design work, it is necessary to have a
firm grasp of the functionality and structural characteristics of
the airplanes that will be using the airport.
Maximum take-off weight (W), wingspan (A), length (B), tail height (C), wheelbase (D), nose to the
centerline of main gear (E), undercarriage width (1.15 main gear track) (F), and line-of-sight/obstacle-free
zone at the nose of the aircraft (G) are the key physical features of the plane that affect airport design.