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An airport is a location where aircraft such as airplanes, helicopters, and blimps take off and land. Aircraft may also be stored or maintained at an airport. An airport consists of at least one surface such as a runway, a helipad, or water for takeoffs and landings, and often includes buildings such as hangars and terminal buildings.

Larger airports may have fixed base operator services, seaplane docks and ramps, air traffic control, passenger facilities such as restaurants and lounges, and emergency services. A military airport is known as an airbase or air station. The terms airfield, airstrip, and aerodrome may also be used to refer to airports, and the terms heliport, seaplane base, and STOLport refer to airports dedicated exclusively to helicopters, seaplanes, or short takeoff and landing aircraft. In some jurisdictions, the term airport is used where the facility is licensed as such by the relevant government organization (e.g. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Canada). Elsewhere the distinction is merely one of general appearance. Yet other areas define an airport by its having the necessary customs offices etc expected of a port,^{[citation needed]} though the more general term is airport of entry.

Smaller or less-developed airports — which represent the vast majority — often have a single runway shorter than 1,000 m (3,300 ft). Larger airports for airline flights generally have paved runways 2,000 m (6,600 ft) or longer. Many small airports have dirt, grass, or gravel runways, rather than asphalt or concrete.

In the United States, the minimum dimensions for dry, hard landing fields are defined by the FAR Landing And Takeoff Field Lengths. These include considerations for safety margins during landing and takeoff. Heavier aircraft require longer runways.

Airport Subcategories Airport Articles Planning for the Unplanned: Steps to Prepare for Travel Emergencies by Lisa Parker Dec 18, 2008 A travel emergency can be anything from losing your money or passport, to having your flight severely delayed, or perhaps the worst-case scenario, which is returning home because of a sick family member or a death in the family. While you cannot fore... Car Rental and Vehicular Dependency - linked to Obesity? by Robert Bell Oct 09, 2008 How do you get around? Car rental? Taxi services? Your own vehicle? Or are you part of the very small sub section of our society who can get from point A to point B by cycling or walking? If you can attest to the latter get up and give yourself a pat... Flying from Stansted - quick tips on buying foreign currency by Paula Garrett Jan 21, 2008 Foreign currency is a must when travelling abroad but, because there are many different ways to pay for goods overseas, what quantity of currency should you carry and where should you purchase it? Exchange rates and transaction charges vary ... Flying from Gatwick - a guide to foreign currency exchange by Paula Garrett Oct 09, 2007 Foreign currency is essential when travelling abroad. However, the options available to you when paying for goods and services abroad is vast – do you take local currency, travellers cheques, credit card or a debit card? And where do should you obtai... Air fares nudge up price of living by sam lowe May 31, 2006 It was revealed earlier in the week that the cost of living increased last month. Unfortunately for those seeking a last-minute Easter break abroad, it was partly a rise in air fares which caused the damage for the nation's consumers by nudging... World Cup creates gripes, but fans set for victory by sam lowe May 23, 2006 The television advertising is in full flow, football souvenirs are hitting the shops, and widescreen televisions are selling fast as UK fans try to get the best view of the matches, prior to the opening of the 2006 World Cup next month.