What defines a "Part 139" airport?

A "Part 139" airport is defined as an airport that is certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to accommodate commercial passenger flights. This certification ensures that the airport meets specific safety and operational standards essential for the operation of passenger airlines. The regulations under Part 139 include requirements related to the physical characteristics of the airport, operational procedures, safety measures, and emergency response plans, all aimed at ensuring passenger safety and efficient airport operations.

This distinction is important because not all airports are eligible for commercial passenger operations; they need to comply with stringent criteria to maintain a Part 139 certification. In contrast, airports primarily serving international flights may not necessarily be certified under Part 139 if they do not handle commercial passenger traffic. Additionally, facilities used exclusively for cargo operations or those designated for military use operate under different regulatory frameworks and do not fall under the commercial passenger classification governed by Part 139.