Operating airports is extremely complicated, with a complex system of aircraft support services, passenger services, and aircraft control services contained within the operation. In some countries, the US in particular, airports also typically have one or more fixed-base operators, serving general aviation. Larger airports may have airport aprons, taxiway bridges, air traffic control centres, passenger facilities such as restaurants and lounges, and emergency services. An airport consists of a landing area, which comprises an aerially accessible open space including at least one operationally active surface such as a runway for a plane to take off and to land or a helipad, and often includes adjacent utility buildings such as control towers, hangars and terminals. Airports often have facilities to park and maintain aircraft, and a control tower. Solar panels at Cochin International Airport, India, the world's first airport to be fully powered by solar energy.Īn airport is an aerodrome with extended facilities, mostly for commercial air transport.
