How to build an airport

[co_avanya]

Greetings city-builders! Today we explore step by step how to build an airport using the Cities: Skylines - Airports expansion!

Step 1: Find a suitable area​

Airports need three things: Flat terrain, open space, and a good connection to your city. The Airport Area Tool will flatten terrain, but at a cost, so a mostly flat area will cost your city less.

Step 2: Paint an Airport Area​

The Airport Area Tool is found in the Districts and Area menu at the very end. Select a brush size and paint in the area where you want your airport. You can always expand the area later if you need more space.

Step 3: Place a Terminal​

Place any terminal you have available inside the Airport Area. We’re using the Modern Airport Terminal in this example, but you can use your favorite.

Optional - Extend the Terminal using Concourse​

You can extend the terminal using the concourse network. The concourse connects the terminal to the aircraft stands we will place later. The more concourse you have, the more aircraft stands you can have in your airport.

Step 4: Place Aircraft Stands​

Place any size aircraft stands available along the concourse network - just like you could place a building on a road. We’re using the Small Aircraft Stand available with a level 1 airport. You just need 1 for a functional airport, but the more you have, the more planes your airport can serve at a time.

Step 5: Place a Runway​

Next, we need a runway for planes to land and take off. It needs to be at least 50 units long but can be much longer and face any direction. Make sure to leave free space around it for taxiways.

Connection points​

The runway has two connection points as indicated by the blue arrows. This is where you connect taxiways going in and out of the runway.

Step 6: Place Taxiways​

Taxiways are one-way roads for planes that connect the runway and aircraft stands. They must be connected in a loop to aircraft stands, making sure planes can both arrive at and leave an aircraft stand.

We now have a functional airport and planes will start arriving soon!​

Step 7: Decorative Buildings​

To level up your airport you will not only need passengers, but also a certain level of attractiveness. Place decorative buildings like a Control Tower, an Airline Lounge, a Hotel, Parked Planes, or Hangars to make your airport more attractive.

Bonus tip: Menu filters​

Use menu filters to sort the airport buildings and easily find what you need.

 

[Rafko99]

Nice tutorial, thanks avanya

 

[Rafko99]

if is anyone interested, there is translated manual in Slovak: Stavba letiska

 

[samb128]

OK but how do you get the airport to snap to your road in the direction you want? Or make the one-way roads attached to the 2-story airports go the opposite direction?

 

[co_avanya]

I recommend placing the airport terminal building first, then attaching roads to it afterward. The built-in roads of terminals cannot be changed, sorry.

 

[samb128]

Thanks for the reply. I just wish there was a way to rotate the building. I figured out a way to make it work but it's not pretty.

 

[co_avanya]

You can right-click to rotate it 45 degrees, or hold the right mouse button and drag to rotate it any amount