Airport Planning & Design

Passenger enplanements are expected to more than double during the next 25 years. The increased passenger traffic and larger aircraft will severely strain existing airports. Major areas of concern include terminal and gate configurations, runway and taxiway geometry, pavements, baggage handling systems, service vehicles, parking, airport access roads and modes, and the cost for updating these facilities.

The purpose of this program is to advise operators and their consultants of appropriate dimensional standards for airport development and to provide planning guidelines for developing landside and airside facilities. Landside and airside facilities are planned through a process described in FAA Advisory Circular 150/5070-6A. 'Airport Master Plans'.

The airport landside includes the terminal complex and access system. These facilities provide transition between ground and air transportation modes. Airside facilities refers to the number and orientation of runways, taxiways and the location of terminal areas relative to runways.

Emphasis is currently being placed on new large aircraft, terminal building planning, and facilities and systems for passenger access to airports.