What is the difference between an international airport and a domestic one?

Question

I mean, let's imagine (maybe it is so) that i.e. Salt Lake City airport is an international airport, but they are actually no international flights, just domestic ones. Is he then still an international airport, even with just domestic flights? Or what does an airport needs to have to be classified "international" (besides customs...)?

Answer 1

Yep. Only the ability to clear customs. Often, the airport doesn't even have customs located on the airport but if customs is available at a nearby airport, they can agree to meet aircraft at the satilite airport on an on call basis. So those airports too are designated international airports.

Answer 2

Michael,

the only thing that an airport needs to have an "International" label on it is U.S.Customs. Not necessarily for passengers, but for freight shipments. There are many airports that have only domestic flights, but have customs inspectors, so  the airport gets the international label. Charleston, WV is one such airport. You can visit its website at the URL below.

Regards,

Dan

Answer 3

Hi!

A domestic airport is an airport that is only available to flights within the same country. (domestic flights)

An internation airport is "a designated airport of entry and departure for international air services, where formalities such as customs, immigration, public health, animal and plant quarantine and similar procedures are carried out." (http://www.mot.gov.sg/airtransport/airgl...

According to the Salt Lake City International Airport's website (http://www.slcairport.com/index.html), "International service has recently grown with new flights to Canada and Mexico. The airport's first transoceanic flight starts in June 2008 with Delta Air Line's new non-stop to Paris." Therefore, it is indeed an international airport.

Hope this helps