What are the current best practices for airport design?

1 Airport Master Plan

The airport master plan is a strategic document that guides the long-term development of an airport, based on its vision, mission, goals, and objectives. It covers aspects such as land use, capacity, demand, infrastructure, technology, safety, security, accessibility, and sustainability. The airport master plan should be aligned with the national and regional aviation policies, as well as the local context and stakeholder interests. It should also be flexible and responsive to changing market conditions, customer preferences, and environmental challenges.

2 Airport Layout Plan

The airport layout plan is a graphical representation of the existing and proposed facilities and infrastructure of an airport, based on the airport master plan. It shows the location, size, shape, and orientation of the runways, taxiways, aprons, terminals, hangars, cargo areas, parking lots, and other airport elements. The airport layout plan should optimize the use of space, minimize conflicts and delays, enhance safety and security, and facilitate passenger and cargo flows.

3 Terminal Design

The terminal design is a critical component of the airport design, as it affects the passenger experience, operational efficiency, and revenue generation. The terminal design should consider the functional, aesthetic, and environmental aspects of the building, as well as the user needs and expectations. Some of the key factors that influence the terminal design are the passenger volume, level of service, processing time, circulation, wayfinding, amenities, branding, and sustainability. The terminal design should also incorporate the latest technologies and innovations, such as biometrics, self-service, automation, and digitalization.

4 Airfield Design

The airfield design is another essential component of the airport design, as it determines the capacity, performance, and safety of the airport operations. The airfield design should comply with the relevant standards and regulations, such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Some of the main elements of the airfield design are the runway system, the taxiway system, the apron system, the lighting system, and the navigation system. The airfield design should also consider the meteorological conditions, the aircraft characteristics, the noise impacts, and the environmental impacts.

5 Landside Design

The landside design is the part of the airport design that deals with the access and connectivity of the airport to the surrounding areas. The landside design should provide convenient, reliable, and sustainable modes of transportation for passengers, employees, and visitors. The landside design should also integrate the airport with the urban and regional planning, as well as the social and economic development. Some of the main elements of the landside design are the road network, the parking system, the public transport system, the ground access terminal, and the landscaping.

6 Stakeholder Engagement

The stakeholder engagement is a vital process that involves the communication, consultation, and collaboration of the airport managers with the various stakeholders of the airport, such as the airlines, the passengers, the regulators, the employees, the suppliers, the contractors, the local communities, and the media. The stakeholder engagement should be conducted throughout the airport design process, from the planning to the implementation to the evaluation. The stakeholder engagement should aim to inform, educate, listen, respond, and involve the stakeholders, as well as to address their needs, expectations, concerns, and feedback.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?