Both of them guarantee the necessary level of safety for their passengers and are used for the implementation of aircraft flights. Nevertheless, these two words are not synonyms and have different meanings. What is the difference between an airport and an aerodrome? Consider the meaning of each of these concepts separately.
Aerodrome
An aerodrome is called a space on land or on water, where planes and helicopters take off and land.
The term “airfield” implies not only the airfield and runways, but also an air transport management complex. Airfields can be both privately and publicly owned. By purpose, they are of two types: military and civilian use.
All operating aerodromes are divided into primary-based aerodromes, operational and alternate aerodromes.
All activities of airfields are governed by state standards. The commissioning of new and control of existing aerodromes is carried out by authorized bodies in the field of civil aviation. After checking for compliance with all available standards, aerodrome facilities are given certificates and certificates, on the basis of which the state body subsequently gives approval for admission to the operation of airports and aerodromes.
An airport
What is the difference between an airport and an aerodrome? A typical airport consists of an aerodrome, an airport terminal, as well as adjacent facilities designed for aircraft maintenance.
The space of the terminal includes many services and facilities designed for the needs of the airport. These are restaurants, shops, waiting rooms, representative offices of various airlines, customs and border services, passenger and cargo terminals, etc.
Based on the total number of all arriving and departing passengers for the year, the following classes are assigned to all airports:
| Passenger exchange per year, people | Airport class |
| 7-10 million | I |
| 4-7 million | II |
| 2-4 million | III |
| 500 thousand - 2 million | IV |
| 100 thousand - 500 thousand | V |
The activities of each airport are regulated not only by state standards, but also by the strict rules of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
The main differences between the airport and the aerodrome
So, summing up all the information about how the airport differs from the airfield, we can conclude that the airport is a more general concept, and the airfield is a narrower one. An aerodrome can function as a hotel unit without an airport. An airport, by definition, cannot exist without an aerodrome, since it is precisely aerodromes that serve the main function of airports.
| What is the difference between an airport and an aerodrome? |
An airport | Aerodrome |
| The space in which operations are carried out related to the arrival, departure and servicing of flights. Includes airfield and train station. | Space intended for takeoff and landing operations, as well as for ground movement and aircraft maintenance. |
Guided by the rules of the International Air Transport Association (IATA). | It is guided only by safety principles. |
It offers many amenities to passengers, such as restaurants, shops, etc. | It does not provide comfort to passengers. |