8 Airport Engineering Books That Separate Experts from Amateurs

What if everything you thought about airport infrastructure was just the beginning? Rangwala's Airport Engineering 14/e dives into the nuts and bolts of airport planning, design, and operations with a focus on practical application. You’ll explore key concepts such as runway design, terminal layout, and air traffic considerations, gaining insights into the technical challenges airports face today. This book is ideal if you’re an engineering student or professional looking to deepen your understanding of how airports function and evolve. While it doesn’t overwhelm with theory, it offers solid frameworks that you can apply to real-world projects.

What happens when decades of airport operations expertise meets detailed protocols? Jeffrey Price and Jeffrey Forrest take you through the nuts and bolts of managing airport safety, operations, and emergencies, focusing exclusively on the airport environment rather than aircraft or pilots. You’ll explore safety management systems in depth, followed by detailed airside and landside operations, capped by a forward-looking discussion on emerging challenges like unmanned aerial vehicles and spaceports. This book suits professionals and students aiming to master the complexities of running airport facilities safely and efficiently, with practical frameworks and real-world organizational insights throughout.

This tailored book explores the fundamental principles and advanced concepts of airport engineering, designed to match your background and specific interests. It focuses on the core aspects of airport design, runway construction, terminal operations, and airside management, delivering content that addresses your unique learning goals. By weaving together essential technical knowledge with the nuances of airport operations, it reveals the interconnected challenges and solutions that define modern airports. This personalized approach ensures the material is relevant and engaging, guiding you through complex topics with clarity and precision. Whether you aim to deepen your understanding or refine specialized skills, this book offers a focused pathway to mastery within airport engineering.

Dr. Stephen Walmsley draws on over two decades of active aviation experience and his academic work in weather-related decision-making to illuminate the complex world of airport operations. You’ll gain a detailed understanding of how diverse airport layouts and increasing air traffic influence pilot decision-making and safety protocols. The book bridges theory and practice, unpacking topics like runway configurations and taxiway navigation with clarity that suits both new pilots and seasoned professionals. It doesn’t just skim the surface but dives into how airport operations directly impact your ability to conduct flights safely and effectively, especially in challenging environments. If you want to deepen your practical knowledge of airport dynamics beyond flying basics, this book offers solid insights.

During his extensive career across multiple engineering disciplines, J. Paul Guyer saw a clear need for accessible technical guidance tailored to airfield design challenges. This book breaks down complex topics like control tower siting and airfield drainage into understandable sections, including specialized lighting solutions for snow and ice runways. You gain practical insights into runway construction nuances and airfield control facilities that directly impact operational safety and efficiency. If your work intersects with airport infrastructure or you’re a civil engineer seeking foundational knowledge in airfield engineering, this volume offers focused expertise without overwhelming detail.

When Dr. Brahim Rekiek applies over two decades of expertise in physics, robotics, and artificial intelligence to airport baggage handling, the result is a deep dive into the complexities of these critical systems. You’ll explore how automation and AI-driven optimisation can transform baggage flow, from check-in to carousel, using the innovative Baggage Factory concept rooted in Industry 4.0 principles. The book carefully unpacks algorithmic approaches to sorting and system design, revealing how these technologies improve operational efficiency and safety. If you’re involved in airport operations, systems engineering, or logistics, this book offers a technical yet accessible perspective on modern baggage handling challenges and solutions.

This tailored book explores step-by-step actions focused on optimizing airport operations and emergency protocols to elevate safety and management effectiveness. It covers essential aspects such as operational workflows, emergency response coordination, risk mitigation, and performance monitoring, all designed to match your specific background and goals. By addressing your unique interests, the book reveals how to improve airport safety measures and streamline management processes efficiently. The personalized approach ensures you gain focused guidance through complex operational challenges, helping you grasp critical concepts and apply them within your airport's environment. This tailored resource empowers you to navigate airport operations with confidence and clarity, making complex procedures accessible and actionable.

Drawing from over four decades of expertise in engineering systems analysis, Dr. Richard de Neufville and his colleagues have crafted a rigorous resource that explores the complex realities of airport planning, design, and management. The book delves into the latest aircraft technologies, environmental regulations, and strategic planning approaches, offering detailed chapter conclusions and exercises that sharpen your understanding of operational and design challenges. Whether you're involved in airport operations, infrastructure planning, or policy-making, the text equips you with frameworks to navigate shifting aviation landscapes and evolving regulatory demands. Specific topics like dynamic strategic planning and air traffic control advances provide actionable insights for adapting to industry changes.

Robert Wicks's extensive experience as Commercial Director for the Powerboat P1 World Championship informs this detailed exploration of Heathrow Airport's complex operations. You gain insight into the full spectrum of airport management, from runways and terminals to air traffic control and baggage services, with chapters dedicated to emergency services, telecommunications, and ground transportation systems. This book suits anyone intrigued by the intricate workings behind the scenes of a major international airport, offering a clear window into the logistics and systems that keep it running smoothly. While it’s not a textbook on engineering principles, it provides practical knowledge valuable for airport operations professionals and aviation enthusiasts alike.

Drawing from decades of combined academic and consulting experience, the authors provide a detailed examination of airport planning and design that reflects the latest advances in aviation technology and regulatory standards. You’ll gain insight into forecasting future airport demands, managing air traffic, and designing pavements and terminals to meet evolving needs. The book also walks you through environmental and security planning alongside financial strategies, making it a solid resource for those involved in infrastructure development. Whether you’re a practicing engineer or a graduate student, the clear focus on integrating practical parameters with current FAA and ICAO guidelines shapes a thorough understanding of airport systems.