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airport
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Aerial view of O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, Illinois, with runways and terminals visible and snow covering much of the ground.
Know how connecting flights contribute to the rapid growth in global connectivity
Crowds of travelers stand and wait around a baggage carousel in a modern airport baggage claim area, with luggage beginning to arrive on the conveyor belt. Four runway configurations Four parallel runway configurations A Boeing 747 approaches landing at Amsterdam Schiphol airport, descending above a runway lined with illuminated approach and runway lights, with a city skyline in the background. Air traffic control tower Wide view of Dubai International Airport's spacious, brightly lit duty free section with numerous shops, displays, and travelers walking through the terminal. Interior of the TWA terminal at JFK Airport, featuring sweeping curves of reinforced concrete, large windows, and a red sunken seating area, with travelers walking through the space. Six design concepts for airline passenger terminals
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A commercial airplane takes off from Amsterdam Airport with the airport control tower and terminal buildings visible in the background.
airport summary
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Aerial view of O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, Illinois, with runways and terminals visible and snow covering much of the ground.
O'Hare International Airport Aerial view of Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, showing runways and terminals covered with snow.

airport

transportation
Also known as: aerodrome, air terminal
Written by
Norman J. Ashford
Consultant Civil Engineer and Professor Emeritus of Transport Planning, Loughborough University of Technology, England. Coauthor of Airport Engineering and others.
Norman J. Ashford
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Britannica Editors
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
Britannica Editors
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•History

airport, 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. The World’s Busiest Airport That title is held by Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International in Georgia. How do other airports rank? Find out in our list of busiest airports. The requirements for airports have increased in complexity and scale since the earliest days of flying. Before World War...

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