Airports 1990
Airports data reveals the number of airports in each country. Compare nations, explore rankings, and see trends with interactive maps.
Interactive Map
Complete Data Rankings
Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.
- #185
Tuvalu - #184
Niue - #183
Nauru - #182
Montserrat - #181
Monaco - #180
Mayotte - #179
Malta - #178
Gibraltar - #177
Gambia - #176
Faroe Islands
Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.
Analysis & Context
In 1990, the United States had the highest number of airports worldwide, with a total of 15,422. Globally, the number of airports ranged from a minimum of 1 to a maximum of 15,422, across 182 countries. The average number of airports per country was 232.52, while the median stood at 47.
Geographic and Economic Influences on Airport Distribution
The vast number of airports in the United States can be attributed to its expansive geography and robust economy, which necessitate extensive air travel infrastructure to connect diverse regions efficiently. With 15,422 airports, the U.S. far surpasses other nations, reflecting its status as a major global hub for both domestic and international air travel.
In contrast, Brazil, with the second highest number of airports at 3,774, also benefits from a large landmass that requires widespread air connectivity, especially in remote areas like the Amazon. Similarly, Argentina and Mexico have substantial numbers of airports, 1,799 and 1,785 respectively, reflecting their roles as regional leaders in air travel and trade.
Population Density and Air Travel Needs
Countries like Canada and Australia, with 1,359 and 564 airports respectively, demonstrate how low population density can drive the need for more airports. In these nations, airports serve as critical links between sparsely populated areas and urban centers. Papua New Guinea, with 575 airports, also exemplifies this trend, where challenging terrain and isolated communities necessitate a higher number of airports relative to its size and population.
Conversely, countries with high population densities and smaller geographic areas, such as Monaco and Gibraltar, maintain only 1 airport each, as their compact size allows for alternative modes of transportation to suffice for most travel needs.
Economic Development and Infrastructure Investment
The presence of 931 airports in South Africa highlights the country's strategic investments in infrastructure to support its economic ambitions and tourism sector, making it a key air travel hub in Africa. Meanwhile, Colombia and Bolivia, with 673 and 636 airports respectively, reflect efforts to enhance connectivity in regions with varied topographies and growing economic activities.
In contrast, smaller economies or island nations such as Tuvalu and Nauru, each with only 1 airport, often face budgetary constraints that limit expansive airport developments. These nations typically rely on a single airport to handle all international and domestic flights, underscoring the disparities in infrastructure investment across different economic contexts.
Policy and Strategic Considerations
Government policies and strategic priorities also play a significant role in shaping airport numbers. For instance, Bolivia has invested in expanding its airport infrastructure to boost tourism and export capabilities, resulting in 636 airports. Meanwhile, Australia's strategic focus on regional development has led to the establishment of 564 airports that support its vast rural communities.
In some cases, political and historical factors influence airport numbers. For instance, former colonies like Réunion and Montserrat, each with 1 airport, often reflect the infrastructural legacies of colonial administration, where economic and logistical considerations were dictated by colonial powers rather than local needs.
Overall, the distribution of airports in 1990 reveals a complex interplay of geographic, economic, demographic, and policy factors. The data highlights significant disparities in air travel infrastructure, driven by each country's unique characteristics and strategic priorities.
Insights by country
Afghanistan
In 1990, Afghanistan had 38 airports, ranking #99 out of 185 countries. This number is relatively low compared to regional neighbors, reflecting challenges in infrastructure development. The country’s geopolitical instability and ongoing conflict significantly hindered investment in transportation and logistics, limiting airport construction and maintenance.
Vietnam
In 1990, Vietnam had 100 airports, ranking #61 out of 185 countries. This number is notable when compared to its regional neighbors, as many Southeast Asian countries were still developing their aviation infrastructure at the time. The growth in Vietnam's airports can be attributed to the country's economic reforms and increasing international trade, which began in the late 1980s, as well as its strategic location for regional connectivity.
Antigua and Barbuda
In 1990, Antigua and Barbuda had 3 airports, ranking #154 out of 185 countries. This number is relatively low compared to larger Caribbean nations, which often have more extensive airport networks to support tourism. The country's limited number of airports can be attributed to its small geographic size and population, as well as a focus on developing tourism infrastructure to enhance connectivity rather than expanding the number of air transport facilities.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica ranked #33 globally with 193 airports in 1990. This number is notably higher than many of its Central American neighbors, reflecting the country's emphasis on tourism and connectivity. The extensive airport network supports Costa Rica's robust eco-tourism industry and facilitates trade, driven by its strategic location between North and South America.
British Virgin Islands
In 1990, the British Virgin Islands ranked #156 globally with a total of 3 airports. This number is relatively low compared to regional neighbors, reflecting the islands' small size and limited infrastructure compared to larger Caribbean nations. The British Virgin Islands' economy, heavily reliant on tourism and financial services, influences the demand for air travel, while its geographic composition limits the development of extensive airport facilities.
Mayotte
In 1990, Mayotte had 1 airport, ranking #172 out of 185 countries for airports. This limited infrastructure is notably below the global average, where many countries boast multiple airports to support tourism and trade. The island's geographic isolation in the Indian Ocean and its small population contribute to the low number of airports, as the demand for air travel is significantly lower compared to larger nations.
Solomon Islands
In 1990, the Solomon Islands had 29 airports, ranking #110 out of 185 countries. This number is relatively low compared to larger island nations in the Pacific, which often have more developed air transport infrastructure. The geographic dispersion of the Solomon Islands, consisting of numerous islands spread over a vast area, necessitates a network of airports to facilitate transportation and connectivity, despite the limited economic resources available for infrastructure development.
China
In 1990, China ranked #20 globally with 330 airports. This number is significant when compared to neighboring countries, many of which had fewer developed airport infrastructures at the time. Rapid economic growth and urbanization in China during the late 20th century spurred investment in transportation infrastructure, making air travel more accessible and facilitating domestic and international trade.
Bangladesh
In 1990, Bangladesh had 16 airports, ranking #121 out of 185 countries. This number is lower than many of its regional neighbors, reflecting the country's developing infrastructure compared to more advanced nations. The limited number of airports can be attributed to economic constraints and a focus on improving road networks, which are more crucial for domestic connectivity in a densely populated area.
Brunei Darussalam
In 1990, Brunei Darussalam had 2 airports and ranked #161 out of 185 countries. This number is relatively low compared to its regional neighbors, reflecting the country's small size and population. The limited number of airports can be attributed to Brunei's economic focus on oil and gas, which has shaped its infrastructure priorities and reduced the need for extensive air travel facilities.
Data Source
CIA World Factbook
The World Factbook, also known as the CIA World Factbook, was a reference resource produced by the US Central Intelligence Agency between 1962 and 2026 with almanac-style information about the countries of the world. From 1971 it was not classified, and available to the public in print since 1975, initially by the CIA, and later the Government Publishing Office.
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