The site selection process

The site-selection process for large airports can take many months; in some notable cases it has
extended over many years. The procedure is complicated by the number of factors that must be
taken into account. First, the operational capability of the site is assessed, particularly with respect
to weather conditions such as wind, snow, ice, fog, and low visibility and also with respect to
obstructions to air navigation around the airport, particularly on the approach and takeoff paths.
The location of the facility in relation to air-traffic-controlled airspace is also operationally important.
In addition, there must be an evaluation of the capacity of the available land to accommodate the
expected configuration of runways and other facilities. Flat or very gently undulating land is
necessary, because runways must be constructed according to restrictions on maximum allowable
slopeswhich in turn are governed by aircraft performance on landing and takeoff.
Ground access to the airport is also considered. An evaluation is made of the distance from
population centres, the regional highway infrastructure, public transport facilities (including
railways), and the availability of land for parking. Development costs are also estimated, taking into
account the nature of the terrain, soil and rock conditions, drainage requirements, and local land
values.
The environmental consequences of an airport development rank very high in any site-selection
procedure. The impact of aircraft noise on the neighbouring population is often the most significant
environmental factor, but, in many countries, account must also be taken of the impact on the flora
and fauna of the area, pollution through chemical runoff into local groundwater, the presence of
endangered species or significant cultural sites, and even undesirable changes in land use. Many

governments now require that environmental analyses of airport development projects include
evaluations of population relocation, changes in employment patterns, and distortion of existing
regional land use and transportation planning.