« Back to Glossary Index

uppermost point of a tree lightning protection system.

air terminal (Wikipedia)

An airport terminal is a building at an airport where passengers transfer between ground transportation and the facilities that allow them to board and disembark from an aircraft.

Renovated and amplified airport entrance of Simón Bolívar International Airport
Terminal 5 at Heathrow Airport
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Main Terminal Concourse
The Tom Bradley International Terminal of Los Angeles International Airport, which handles the most origin and destination (O&D) flights in the world

The buildings that provide access to the airplanes (via gates) are typically called concourses. However, the terms "terminal" and "concourse" are sometimes used interchangeably, depending on the configuration of the airport. Smaller airports have one terminal while larger airports have several terminals and/or concourses. At small airports, a single terminal building typically serves all of the functions of a terminal and a concourse. Larger airports might have one terminal that is connected to multiple concourses or multiple unit terminals.

By the end of the 20th century airport terminals became symbols of progress and trade, showcasing the aspirations of nations constructing them. The buildings are also characterized by a very rapid pace of redevelopment, much higher that that for structures supporting other modes of transportation, eroding the boundary between the permanent and temporary construction.

« Back to Glossary Index