Most states have an airport authority or board that is empowered to plan, establish, develop, acquire, purchase, lease, construct, reconstruct, enlarge, improve, maintain, equip, operate, regulate and protect airports and air navigation facilities. Such authorities may also grant concessions to airport vendors, acquire public property by eminent domain for airport purposes, borrow money and issue obligations, obtain grants, hire security personnel, among other actions. Some of the legal issues involved with airports include obtaining proper zoning and easements for rights-of-way, abatement of nuisances (noise levels), and eliminating airport hazards.
Federal agencies such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are mainly responsible for administering laws governing airport security, as well as a wide range of activities from pilot training to flying for business and personal reasons, delivery of emergency medical services, and sightseeing. Heightened airport security issues have raised legal issues involving privacy rights and protection against discrimination.
