Section 11 - Airport design and compatibility

Abstract

The chapter describes the basics of an airport design. The process of airport design is a complex compromise between multiple physical, commercial, and environmental considerations. Physical facilities needed include runways, taxiways, aprons and strips, which are used for the landing and take-off of aircraft, for the manoeuvring and positioning of aircraft on the ground, and for the parking of aircraft for loading and discharge of passengers and cargo. Lighting and radio navigation are essential for the safe landing and take-off of aircraft. These are supplemented by airfield markings, signals, and air traffic control facilities. Support facilities on the airside include meteorology, fire and rescue, power and other utilities, maintenance, and airport maintenance. Landside facilities are the passenger and cargo terminals, and the infrastructure system, which includes parking, roads, public transport facilities, and loading and unloading areas. At all stages of the design process, the issue of aircraft compatibility is of prime importance—an airport must be suitable for the aircraft that will use it.