Imagine a world without airports! Air travel has changed the way we live and work, but no one would be able to travel without airports. Over the past 100 years, air travel has gone from an unusual adventure to an everyday event. Discover the stories behind eight major U.S. airports, including how they were built, how many people they serve, and the problems and solutions that have changed air travel over the decades. Airports are a vital part of America's infrastructure, and their construction and expansion tell an important story about how Americans live and work today.

Passenger air travel is at an all-time high, and airports are investing in the infrastructure needed to meet demand. This report contains a comprehensive review of the role of the federal government in airport infrastructure funding and financing.