Air travel has grown enormously since World War II. Until then, only the wealthy travelled by air. The development of the jet airliner in the 1950s made it possible for everyone to fly to destinations across the world.
The world’s busiest airport is O’Hare International near Chicago in the United States, with an average of one take-off or landing every 35 seconds and nearly 70 million passengers a year. Many of these flights are for people travelling within the United States – about 85 per cent of people travelling within the United States go by air. London’s Heathrow Airport handles more international traffic than any other airport with more than 55 million international passengers a year.
A large modern airport employs thousands of people. Air traffic controllers work in a control tower, directing all aircraft to and from runways and deciding when it is safe to take off or land. They have powerful radar equipment to keep watch over the whole airspace around the airport.
Baggage handlers load and unload suitcases from the aircraft. Once passengers have disembarked, ground crew prepares the aircraft to fly out again, and refuel it while firefighters stand by.
In the terminal, the passengers collect their baggage and go through customs, where officials check that they are not carrying drugs or goods which require import or export tax to be paid.
Airports also handle goods (air freight) that are required to be transported quickly. Warehouses store goods before loading and after arrival, when they are inspected by customs officials.
Security officers use X-ray equipment to check passengers for bombs, guns and other weapons. International passengers also have to pass through immigration where they show their passports and any visas that are required to enter the country. Officials often stamp the passport to show that passengers are entering the country legally. Airports also have lounges and restaurants where passengers can wait for their flights.
Picture Credit : Google