Implementation of twenty-first-century technologies has resulted in the first major overhaul to aircraft and air navigation systems in generations, computer-based analytical and design models have replaced antiquated monographs and estimation tables, and highly significant geopolitical events have all but rewritten the rules of planning, designing, and operating civil-use airports.
Sebuah bandar udara melingkupi kegiatan yang sangat luas, yang mempunyai kebutuhan yang berbeda,bahkan kadang-kadang berlawanan, seperti kegiaan keamanan membatasi sedikit mungkin hubungan (pintu-pintu) antara Land Side dan Air Side, sedangkan kegiatan pelayanan memerlukan banyak (sebanyakmungkin) pintu terbuka dari Land Side ke Air Side agar pelayanan berjalanan lancar.