ABSTRACT
Airports are an essential part of the air transport system. They provide all the infrastructure needed to enable passengers and freight to transfer from surface to air modes of transport and to allow airlines to take off and land. The basic airport infrastructure consists of runways, taxiways, apron space, gates, passenger and freight terminals, and ground transport interchanges. Airports bring together a wide range of facilities and services in order to fulfi l their role within the air transport industry. These services include air traffi c control, security, and fi re and rescue in the airfi eld. Handling facilities are provided so that passengers, their baggage and freight can be transferred successfully between aircraft and terminals, and processed within the terminal. Airports also offer a wide variety of commercial facilities ranging from shops and restaurants to hotels, conference services and business parks.
