How do airports generate revenue?

Airports are funded through a mix of user and commercial revenue, including Airport Improvement Fees, landing fees, parking and concession agreements. Together, these revenues help fund airport infrastructure and reinvestment, including things like terminals and runways.

Airports also pay rent to the federal government for the land their facilities sit on, as a portion of these revenues — over $550 million a year.

Like a business, airports borrow money to build today, then pay it back over time using the revenue they expect to earn in the future. At the same time, revenue also covers maintenance, day-to-day operations, debt and payments back to the government for ground rent.