The United States boasts a vast and complex air transportation network, making it a global leader in air travel. But how many airports actually exist within its borders? This seemingly simple question has a surprisingly nuanced answer, depending on how you define "airport." This comprehensive guide will delve into the intricacies of US airport counts, clarifying the different categories and providing you with a clearer understanding of this expansive infrastructure.
What Counts as an Airport? The FAA's Definition
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the primary authority on aviation matters in the US. Their definition of an airport is key to understanding the numbers. The FAA classifies airports based on several factors, including size, passenger volume, and the types of aircraft they handle. This leads to variations in reported airport counts.
You'll find different numbers reported depending on the criteria used. A simple count of all landing strips might vastly differ from a count of commercially operational airports serving scheduled passenger flights.
How Many Airports are There in the US? The Breakdown
There's no single, universally accepted answer to the question, "How many airports are there in the US?" This is because the definition of an "airport" itself is fluid. However, we can break down the numbers based on different criteria:
Public-use Airports: A Massive Number
The FAA maintains a database of public-use airports. These are airports open to the public, not just those serving commercial airlines. This category includes everything from small, privately owned airstrips to major international hubs. The number of public-use airports in the US is exceptionally large, numbering in the thousands. Precise numbers fluctuate slightly over time due to additions and closures, but it safely sits within a range of 5,000 to 6,000.
Commercial Service Airports: A More Manageable Number
If we narrow our focus to commercial service airports – those offering scheduled passenger flights to the public – the numbers become more manageable. These are the airports most travelers are familiar with. The count for these airports is considerably smaller than the overall public-use count, typically falling somewhere between 500 and 600.
Why the Discrepancy? Understanding the Different Airport Types
The large discrepancy between the overall public-use airport count and the number of commercial service airports highlights the diversity of aviation infrastructure in the US.
- General Aviation Airports: These airports primarily serve general aviation aircraft, such as private planes and helicopters. They don't typically have scheduled commercial flights.
- Military Airports: These airports are operated by the US military and are not generally accessible to the public.
- Heliports: These are smaller landing areas specifically designed for helicopters.
- Seaplane Bases: These facilities are used for water-based aircraft.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the busiest airport in the US?
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) consistently holds the title of the busiest airport in the US and frequently ranks as the busiest globally, based on passenger traffic.
How many major airports are there in the US?
Defining "major" is subjective, but generally, it refers to airports with high passenger volumes and extensive flight connections. A reasonable estimate would put the number of major airports in the US in the range of 50-100, depending on the criteria used.
How many small airports are there in the US?
The vast majority of US airports fall into the "small" category, comprising the thousands of public-use airports that are not major commercial hubs. These include general aviation airports, which serve private aircraft, and small regional airports with limited commercial flights.
Where can I find a complete list of US airports?
The FAA's website is the best resource for a comprehensive list of US airports. You can search and filter their database based on various criteria, such as location, airport size, and types of services offered.
This detailed breakdown provides a clearer picture of the extensive aviation network that crisscrosses the United States. Remember that the exact number of US airports remains somewhat fluid due to continuous changes and varying definitions. However, understanding the different classifications allows for a much more informed and nuanced perspective on this vital aspect of the nation's infrastructure.
