Airport Infrastructure: Experience, Innovation, and Sustainability

Air transport is a key sector for economic development and global connectivity. Airport infrastructure not only facilitates the efficient movement of passengers and cargo, but also drives tourism, foreign trade, and the mobility of people around the world.

At Sando, we have been leading strategic airport construction and maintenance projects for decades. Our expertise spans everything from planning and design to the execution and maintenance of essential infrastructure, integrating innovation, sustainability, and the highest international standards.

What is airport infrastructure?

Airport infrastructure is the set of facilities and services that enable the safe and efficient operation of an airport. This infrastructure is essential for ensuring air operations, as well as the handling of passengers and cargo. But before we delve deeper, it’s worth asking What is an airport?

An airport is a facility designed to facilitate air travel, connecting different regions through domestic and international flights. To achieve this, a modern airport relies on a well-planned infrastructure that integrates operational, logistical, and support elements.

Main components of an airport

An airport is divided into two main areas, each with specific functions:

Airside

• Runways: Surfaces designed to support aircraft takeoff and landing operations.
• Taxiways: Runways that connect runways to aprons and hangars, ensuring the safe movement of aircraft.
• Aircraft parking aprons: Areas where aircraft are parked for boarding, disembarking, loading, and maintenance.

Landside

• Passenger terminals: Buildings designed to facilitate the flow of travelers, offering services such as check-in, security screening, and boarding gates.
• Cargo terminals: Facilities used for the handling and storage of goods.
• Access infrastructure: Parking facilities, internal transportation systems, and connections to ground transportation networks.

In addition, airports include critical components that ensure operational efficiency and safety, such as:

• Control towers: They manage air traffic both inside and outside the airport.
• Hangars: Facilities used for aircraft maintenance and repair.
• Emergency services: Specialized teams to respond to incidents and ensure operational safety.

How is an airport built?

Building an airport is a highly specialized process that combines advanced engineering, strategic planning, and a sustainable approach. This type of civil engineering project requires the precise integration of all necessary infrastructure:

1. Preliminary studies: The location, environmental impact, and air traffic requirements are analyzed to ensure the project’s feasibility.
2. Design and planning: Plans are developed that integrate runways, terminals, hangars, and access systems based on operational efficiency criteria.
3. Construction of key infrastructure: Durable runways, taxiways, and terminals are being built to meet current and future demands.
4. Sustainability and innovation: We incorporate eco-friendly materials and advanced technologies to optimize resources and reduce emissions.

At Sando, we have led projects such as the expansion of the second runway at Madrid-Barajas Airport and the construction of Terminal 3 at Málaga Airport, demonstrating our ability to tackle the industry’s most demanding challenges.

Sustainability in Airport Infrastructure

The air transport industry faces global challenges in terms of sustainability. Airport infrastructure must comply with increasingly stringent international regulations by adopting solutions that minimize environmental impact.

At Sando, we take an innovative approach to ensure:

• Emissions reduction: Use of advanced technologies and sustainable fuels.
• Energy efficiency: Design of terminals that maximize the use of natural light and ventilation.
• Sustainable maintenance: Ongoing maintenance of runways, hangars, and terminals using environmentally friendly practices.

The Importance of Airport Infrastructure

Airport infrastructure is essential for global connectivity, enabling:

• Passenger mobility: Fast connections between cities and countries.
• Freight transport: Facilitating international trade, particularly for perishable and high-value goods.
• Economic boost: Job creation and revitalization of commerce and tourism.

As a leader in the construction and maintenance of airport infrastructure, Sando provides sustainable, high-impact solutions to meet these needs.

Why is the maintenance of airport infrastructure important?

Sustainable and efficient maintenance is crucial for keeping infrastructure in top condition year-round, especially given the high international standards. Sando Infraestructuras y Proyectos applies its expertise to the maintenance of runways, parking lots, hangars, boarding bridges, cargo terminals, passenger terminals, and ground transportation hubs.

Sando’s Featured Projects in Airport Infrastructure

With more than five decades of experience, Sando has participated in key projects that have contributed to economic and social development. Some examples include:

• Expansion of the second runway at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport.
• Construction of Terminal 3 and the second runway at Málaga Airport.

These projects reflect our commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability at every stage of airport development.