Roles and Types of Airports The United States of America is a country with one of the most advanced airport systems in the world. Comprised of nearly 20,000 airports ranging from public use to private military installations, this complex airport system is vital to the success of our aviation industry. There are many different types of airports in this system. Each plays a different but vital role with their different functions. The National Plan for Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS) organizes airports into different categories. The three most popular types of airports you can find today include commercial service airports, relief airports, and general aviation airports. Each type has distinct characteristics and criteria that must be met to fall into their respective categories. While their roles differ and include different facilities, users, workers and regulations, each has an important place in the nation's airport system. First we will look at commercial service airports. The NPIAS defines these airports as those that host commercial air service from scheduled air carriers. These airports are often located near major population centers. Nearly all passengers who flew in 2009 traveled through a commercial service airport as it was the departure, arrival or transfer point of their trip. These airports, with their variety and broad scope of operations, face many challenges in achieving their overall goal of safe movement of people and cargo to multiple population centers. (Young & Wells, 2011) About half of the commercial service airports located in the United States fall into another category called primary airports. The NPIAS defines these airports as enplanin...... middle of paper......passengers compared to other airports. GA airports are airports most commonly known to pilots and recreational/business travelers. With the many differences between GA airports, they can accommodate specific roles and objectives for their individual needs. Finally, the last type of airport is a relief airport. This special type of GA airport is often located near busy commercial service airports in populated areas. Their convenience and accessibility make them an attractive option for business and general aviation operations compared to a busy commercial airport. All these different types of airports perform a unique function in the national airport system. Each airport plays a unique role and, when combined with all other types of airports, creates a synergy that allows our aviation industry to function efficiently and effectively.