Airports are classified based on several factors, including their size, capacity, location, and primary functions. The classifications of airports vary from one country to another, and the terminology may differ, but here are some common categories of airports:
1. **International Airports**:
- International airports serve as gateways for passengers traveling between countries. They have customs and immigration facilities to process international travelers. These airports handle a significant volume of international flights and often have a wide range of services and amenities.
2. **Domestic Airports**:
- Domestic airports primarily handle flights within a single country. They do not have customs and immigration facilities for international travelers. Domestic airports can range from small regional airports to major hubs serving domestic routes.
3. **Regional Airports**:
- Regional airports serve specific regions or areas within a country. They are typically smaller than major international or domestic airports and cater to shorter-haul flights. Regional airports may connect smaller cities and towns to larger transportation hubs.
4. **General Aviation Airports**:
- General aviation airports are designed for private and recreational aviation. They accommodate a variety of aircraft, including small private planes, helicopters, and corporate jets. These airports often lack commercial passenger services and are used for private and business aviation.
5. **Reliever Airports**:
- Reliever airports are a subset of general aviation airports designed to alleviate congestion at larger airports. They serve as alternatives for general aviation traffic and may have more facilities and services than typical general aviation airports.
6. **Military Airports**:
- Military airports are operated by national defense forces and are used for military purposes, such as training, troop transport, and military operations. Some military airports may have shared civilian and military use.
7. **Joint-Use Airports**:
- Joint-use airports are those where both military and civilian operations coexist. These airports may have agreements between the military and civilian authorities to share facilities and runways.
8. **Public Airports**:
- Public airports are owned and operated by public entities, such as municipalities, counties, or regional authorities. They are open to all aviation users, including commercial airlines, general aviation, and military.
9. **Private Airports**:
- Private airports are owned and operated by private entities, including corporations, individuals, or organizations. Access to these airports is typically restricted to the owner and authorized users.
10. **Cargo Airports**:
- Cargo airports primarily focus on the transport of cargo and freight. They may handle a significant volume of air cargo operations, including the shipping of goods, mail, and other commercial shipments.
11. **Heliports and Heliports**:
- Heliports and heliports are facilities designed specifically for helicopter operations. They are typically found in urban areas, on buildings, or at remote locations where helicopters are needed for transportation, rescue, or other purposes.
12. **Seaplane Bases**:
- Seaplane bases are airports located on or near bodies of water, facilitating seaplane operations. These are commonly found in regions where seaplanes are used for transportation or tourism.
13. **Special-Use Airports**:
- Special-use airports serve specific purposes, such as medical transport, agricultural operations, firefighting, or government functions. They are designed to support unique aviation activities.
These classifications provide a framework for understanding the diverse range of airports and their functions. The specific criteria for categorizing airports may vary depending on local regulations and the governing aviation authorities in each country.