National Airport Day

A joyful child, wearing a pilot hat, exploring an airport with fascination, surrounded by planes and luggage carts.. — National airport day illustration

Welcome to National Airport Day - the day we celebrate the epic places where flights take off, landing gear touches down, and suitcases go on unexpected adventures! Get ready to take flight with us as we explore the fascinating world of airports.

When is Airport Day?

It's national airport day on the 10th July.

The Origins of National Airport Day

Did you know that airports have their own national day? It all started back in 1903, when the Wright brothers made their historic flight at Kitty Hawk. Since then, airports have become iconic symbols of travel and adventure. National Airport Day was officially established to honor the amazing feats of engineering and the dedicated professionals who keep our skies safe.

Every year on July 10th, aviation enthusiasts and travel junkies alike gather to celebrate the magic of airports. From the bustling terminals to the expertly choreographed takeoffs and landings, there's something truly awe-inspiring about these gateways to the world.

A Day of Airport Flair

On National Airport Day, airports around the country roll out the red carpet for visitors. You can expect exciting events like guided tours, flight simulators, and even behind-the-scenes looks at airport operations. It's an opportunity to explore the inner workings of these bustling hubs and get a taste of the glamour of air travel.

Many airports also host special exhibits showcasing the history of aviation. From vintage planes to interactive displays, these exhibits help us appreciate just how far we've come in the world of flight. And of course, no airport celebration would be complete without some mouthwatering food options. From gourmet restaurants to grab-and-go snack stands, airports have it all.

Fun Facts about Airports

Did you know that the first airport in the world to have a swimming pool was in Fresno, California? It was called the Sky Harbor Airport and opened in 1949. Talk about making a splash in the aviation world!

Another interesting fact is that the busiest airport in the world is Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. It sees over 100 million passengers annually, making it a true hive of activity.

History behind the term 'Airport'

1903

Wright Brothers take flight

In 1903, the Wright Brothers successfully completed the first powered flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. This historic achievement marked the beginning of aviation as we know it today. Although the term 'airport' had not yet come into existence, this milestone laid the foundation for the development of airports in the future.

1903

The Birth of Flight

In 1903, the Wright brothers successfully flew their first powered aircraft, heralding the dawn of a new era in aviation. This milestone demonstrated the potential of flight as a mode of transportation and ignited interest in the development of dedicated facilities for aircraft operations.

1773

Early Usage

The term 'airport' was not used in its modern context, but the word 'port' has been associated with transportation hubs for centuries. In 1773, an early example of an airport can be traced back to France, where the Montpellier-Mediterranee Airport had a dedicated area for balloons and airships to take off and land.

1903

The First Flight

The term 'airport' finds its roots in the history of aviation. In 1903, the Wright brothers achieved their first powered flight in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. While it was not yet called an 'airport,' this moment marked the beginning of a new era in transportation.

1903

The First Flight

The term 'airport' traces its origins back to the Wright brothers' historic first flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina in 1903. During this time, the concept of powered flight was still very new, and there was no infrastructure in place to support the growing aviation industry.

1903

Birth of aviation

The Wright brothers successfully conducted their first powered flight in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, marking the birth of aviation. This momentous event sparked a global fascination with flying and the potential of aircraft for transportation and communication.

1903

The First Powered Flight

In 1903, the Wright brothers successfully conducted the first powered flight in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. This monumental achievement paved the way for the development of aviation and set the stage for the future of air transportation.

1909

First use of the term 'airport'

The term 'airport' was first used in a publication by the Aeronautical Society of Great Britain. They defined an airport as 'a place where flying machines land and take off'. At this time, airports primarily referred to open areas used for flying activities, including barnstorming and flying exhibitions.

1908

A Safe Landing Area

In 1908, the first designated landing area for airplanes was established in Issy-les-Moulineaux, France. This area, known as a 'field of aviation,' essentially served as a primitive precursor to modern airports. It provided a dedicated space for aircraft to safely take off and land.

1909

First Airfield

In 1909, the world's first designated airfield was opened in Issy-les-Moulineaux, France. It provided a dedicated area for the takeoff and landing of aircraft. This marked the beginning of the concept of an 'airfield,' a place where airplanes could safely operate and land.

1908

Term Coinage: Aerodrome

In 1908, the term 'aerodrome' was coined to refer to an area where aircraft can take off and land. The word 'aerodrome' is derived from the Greek words 'aero' meaning air, and 'drome' meaning a course or track. Initially, it was used interchangeably with 'airport,' but eventually, 'aerodrome' fell out of common usage.

1902

Coined Term

The term 'airport' was coined in 1902 by Gabriel Voisin, a French aviation pioneer. He referred to a flying field near Mourmelon-le-Grand in France as 'l'aerodrome pour avions' which translates to 'the airport for airplanes'. This marked the first recorded use of the term to describe a location specifically designed for aircraft operations.

1909

First Usage of 'Airport'

The term 'airport' was first used in 1909 to describe the site where the first military aviation school was established. Located in College Park, Maryland, this facility was designated as the 'aerodrome,' which later became known as the world's first official airport.

1909

First use of the term 'airport'

The term 'airport' was first used publicly in 1909. It was coined by French inventor and pilot, Gabriel Voisin, who referred to a proposed flying field in France as an 'aéroport.' The word 'aéroport' was derived from the Latin word 'aer' meaning 'air' and the French word 'port' meaning 'port' or 'harbor.' This new term captured the essence of the location where airplanes took off and landed.

1909

First Official Airport

In August 1909, the first official airport was established in College Park, Maryland, United States. It was called the College Park Airport, and it served as a testing ground and training center for the United States Army Signal Corps. The College Park Airport holds the distinction of being the world's oldest continuously operated airport.

1928

Unifying airports under the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)

In 1928, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) was established to promote the development of international civil aviation. As part of its role, the ICAO worked towards standardizing aviation terminology and practices across the world. It played a significant role in formalizing the term 'airport' as the universally accepted name for the landing and takeoff facilities for aircraft.

1919

The rise of commercial aviation

After World War I, aviation started shifting from a purely military endeavor to include commercial flights. The first scheduled international passenger services were introduced, and the need for dedicated facilities for aircraft operations became evident. Airfields started being established with proper runways and infrastructure to support the growing aviation industry.

1920

The Coining of 'Airport'

It wasn't until the 1920s that the term 'airport' was officially coined. The term derived from combining the words 'air' and 'port,' emphasizing the critical role airports played as transportation hubs for air travel. This marked the beginning of a new era in aviation.

1919

Birth of Commercial Aviation

After World War I, aviation rapidly progressed, and in 1919, the first scheduled international flights were established. London's Hounslow Heath Aerodrome became the world's first airport to handle commercial air travel, connecting London with Paris.

1928

Usage of 'Airport' Grows

By 1928, the term 'airport' gained significant popularity and began to replace 'aerodrome' as the preferred term for airfields. This shift in terminology coincided with the rapid growth of aviation technology and the increasing importance of air travel in connecting distant locations.

1919

From Airfield to Aerodrome

In 1919, the term 'aerodrome' emerged as a designation for airfields equipped with a runway and other operational facilities. The word 'aerodrome' originated from the Greek words 'aero' meaning 'air' and 'drome' meaning 'course' or 'runway.' The term emphasized the purpose of the airfield as a space designed for flight operations.

1930

First Commercial Airports

The 1930s marked the construction of the first dedicated commercial airports. These airports, such as Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport, were designed with the specific purpose of handling passenger air travel. The emergence of commercial airports further solidified the usage of 'airport' as the primary term for airfields.

1928

The First Terminal

In 1928, the world's first purpose-built airport terminal, called the 'Shoreham Airport,' was constructed in the United Kingdom. It featured customs facilities, a waiting area, and ticket counters, setting the standard for future airport designs.

1927

The Golden Age of Aviation

With the advent of more reliable aircraft and the success of Charles Lindbergh's transatlantic flight in 1927, interest in aviation boomed. Governments and private entities worldwide started investing in the development of larger and more advanced airports, equipped with runways, hangars, and passenger facilities.

1930s

Rapid expansion of commercial aviation

During the 1930s, commercial aviation experienced rapid growth and expansion. The demand for more organized and efficient aviation facilities led to the development of larger, purpose-built airports. These new airports were equipped with runways, hangars, control towers, and terminal buildings to accommodate the increasing air traffic. The term 'airport' became more widely recognized and used as the infrastructure evolved.

1919

The Rise of Commercial Air Travel

With the advent of commercial aviation, airports began to play a crucial role in connecting cities across the world. In 1919, the first airline terminal building, specifically designed for commercial air travel, was constructed at London's Croydon Airport. This marked a shift towards creating dedicated facilities to accommodate the increasing number of passengers and aircraft.

1927

The Golden Age of Air Travel begins

With the debut of the first transatlantic solo flight by Charles Lindbergh, there was a surge in public enthusiasm for air travel. This event marked the beginning of the Golden Age of Air Travel, characterized by luxurious passenger experiences and glamorous destinations. As air travel gained popularity, the demand for larger and more advanced airports grew.

1920

Airport: A New Term Emerges

In the early 1920s, the term 'airport' gained popularity and started to replace 'aerodrome' as the preferred term to describe airfields. The word 'airport' reflected the increasing importance of air travel and the scale of the facilities required. It derived from the words 'air' and 'port,' signifying a place where aircraft can embark and disembark passengers and cargo.

1944

ICAO Standardizes Terminology

In 1944, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) was established to standardize various aspects of international air travel. As part of their efforts, ICAO officially adopted the term 'airport' as the standard global terminology for airfields. This designation helped solidify the usage of 'airport' worldwide.

1944

Chicago Convention standardizes 'airport' globally

The Chicago Convention of 1944, also known as the Convention on International Civil Aviation, played a pivotal role in establishing global aviation standards. It defined the term 'airport' as a location with paved runways and other facilities for the takeoff, landing, and maintenance of aircraft. This definition solidified the term's universal usage and ensured its adoption by aviation authorities worldwide.

1930

Introduction of paved runways

To accommodate the increasing size and weight of aircraft as well as improve overall safety, airports began to construct paved runways. Paved surfaces offered better traction and reduced the risk of damage to aircraft during takeoff and landing. This shift in infrastructure construction set the foundation for modern airport design and operations.

1928

Official Recognition of 'Airport'

In 1928, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) officially adopted the term 'airport' to refer to facilities where aircraft operate. This recognition further solidified the usage of 'airport' worldwide and reinforced its status as the standard term to describe these facilities.

1930

The Jet Age Arrives

The 1930s marked the advent of jet-powered aircraft, and the need for longer runways grew. Airports began expanding their infrastructure to accommodate these faster planes. This era also saw the rise of large airports with multiple runways and passenger facilities.

1944

International Standards and Regulation

In 1944, the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation established a framework for global cooperation and standardization in air travel. This resulted in a significant expansion of airports and the implementation of international regulations to ensure safety and efficiency in the aviation industry.

1928

Standardized Runway Numbering

To enhance safety and navigation, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) introduced a standardized runway numbering system in 1928. This system assigns numbers based on the runway's magnetic azimuth, ensuring consistent identification worldwide. It allowed for easier communication between pilots and air traffic controllers and facilitated the development of airports around the globe.

1956

Jet Age and Modern Airports

The introduction of jet engines in the 1950s revolutionized air travel, allowing for faster and more efficient flights. Airports had to adapt to accommodate these new aircraft, with longer runways and enhanced terminal facilities. The modern concept of airports as bustling transportation hubs truly took shape during this era.

1950

Jet Age and Expansion

The introduction of jet aircraft in the 1950s revolutionized air travel and imposed new requirements on airport infrastructure. Airports needed longer runways and specialized facilities to accommodate jet operations. Existing airports underwent expansions, and new airports designed to handle jet traffic emerged, fueling the growth of the aviation industry on a global scale.

1958

Jet Age Terminal

The opening of the American Airlines terminal at Idlewild Airport (now JFK Airport) in New York City in 1958 showcased the modern design and efficiency of the jet age. This terminal introduced enclosed jetways, moving walkways, and other innovations to enhance passenger experience and streamline operations.

1944

The birth of the International Civil Aviation Organization

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) was established as a specialized agency of the United Nations. ICAO's primary role was to promote the safe and orderly development of international civil aviation. The organization worked towards standardizing aviation practices, including airport operations, to ensure global compatibility and cooperation.

21st Century

Modern Airports

In the modern era, airports have evolved into technologically advanced hubs facilitating air travel for millions of passengers worldwide. They incorporate state-of-the-art infrastructure, security systems, passenger amenities, and transportation connections. Airports play a crucial role in global connectivity, fostering economic growth, and promoting cultural exchange.

2005

Busiest Airports and Mega Hubs

As air travel became more accessible and popular, certain airports evolved into bustling transportation hubs, connecting travelers to various destinations worldwide. In 2005, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in the United States became the world's busiest airport, handling the highest passenger traffic. The emergence of mega-hubs with extensive flight networks further cemented the importance and impact of airports in the modern world.

1958

The Jet Age begins

The introduction of jet aircraft, led by the iconic Boeing 707, revolutionized air travel. Jet engines provided increased speed, range, and capacity, transforming the aviation industry. This technological advancement prompted airports worldwide to upgrade their facilities to accommodate jet aircraft, including lengthening runways and constructing larger terminals.

1995

Digital Revolution

The advent of the internet brought significant changes to airport operations. In 1995, San Francisco International Airport became the first airport to offer free Wi-Fi to its passengers. This development marked the beginning of the digital revolution in airport services and passenger connectivity.

2010

Sustainability and Green Airports

As environmental awareness grew, airports began focusing on sustainability initiatives. In 2010, Terminal 3 of Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport became the first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum-certified terminal globally. This leadership in promoting eco-friendly practices set a trend for green airports worldwide.

1995

The proliferation of regional airports

With the rapid growth of air travel and the emergence of low-cost carriers, regional airports experienced a surge in popularity. These airports primarily catered to domestic and regional flights, providing convenient access to smaller cities and tourist destinations. The increase in regional airport infrastructure expanded air travel opportunities for individuals and bolstered local economies.

2001

Enhanced security measures and airport adaptations

In the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, airports underwent significant changes to enhance security measures. The introduction of strict security screenings, reinforced cockpit doors, and increased surveillance became standard practices to ensure passenger safety. This marked a turning point in airport security procedures and reinforced the importance of airport safety protocols.

Present

Modern airports and advancements

Modern airports are vast, complex transportation hubs that connect people and cultures around the world. They incorporate state-of-the-art infrastructure, advanced security systems, and innovative technologies to enhance passenger comfort and efficiency. Additionally, airports are increasingly prioritizing sustainable practices, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and environmental impact while maintaining excellent service.

Did you know?

Did you know that the first airport in the world to have a swimming pool was in Fresno, California? It was called the Sky Harbor Airport and opened in 1949.