An airport is a designated facility where aeroplanes and other aircraft take off and land. Airports provide the infrastructure and services needed to handle passengers, baggage, aircraft and, in many cases, cargo.
What Does an Airport Do?
An airport connects people and places by providing facilities for air travel. It supports different stages of a passenger’s journey, including check-in, security screening, boarding, arrivals and baggage collection.
Airports also handle the movement of cargo and provide services that help aircraft operate safely and efficiently. Depending on the airport, passengers may also find facilities such as lounges, restaurants, shops and other services.
Airport Facilities and Services
The facilities available depend on the airport, its size and whether it handles domestic, international or both types of flights.
Common airport facilities and services may include:
- Airport lounges
- Restaurants, cafés and food outlets
- Shops and duty-free stores
- Seating and waiting areas
- Toilets and washrooms
- Drinking water
- ATMs
- Currency exchange
- Charging points
- Wi-Fi
- Information desks and kiosks
- Medical or first-aid facilities
- Smoking areas
- Special assistance facilities
- Parking and transportation services
Larger airports generally offer a wider range of facilities and services.
What Should Travellers Know About Airports?
Before travelling by air, passengers should know some basic information about the airport they are using, including:
- Which terminal their flight uses
- Where their airline’s check-in counters are located
- Their flight’s departure time and boarding time
- Their boarding gate
- Their PNR or booking reference
- Baggage allowance and restrictions
- Items that are not permitted in cabin or checked baggage
- How to reach the airport and where to enter
Checking the latest information from the airport and airline before travelling is especially important because terminal assignments, facilities and airport procedures can change.
Airport Examples in India
India has airports of different sizes and types across the country. Some well-known examples include:
- Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai
- Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru
- Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad
- Chennai International Airport, Chennai
- Explore all airports across India
Related Airport Glossary Terms
Related Airport Guides
Explore AirportSaathi’s airport guides to find information about terminals, airlines, transportation, parking, lounges, facilities and other practical airport information.