U.S. Airports that can Accommodate the A380

U.S. Airports that can Accommodate the A380

WASHINGTON - Only a handful of U.S. airports meet the Federal Aviation Administration's design standards for an aircraft as large as the new Airbus A380 superjumbo jet.

The FAA sets requirements for six categories of aircraft to make sure that airplanes can move efficiently and safely around the airport. Taxiways, for example, must be wide and well lit so a pilot can safely control an airplane along the center line.

Whether an airport terminal has a gate area large enough to fit A380 passengers is a local decision, and whether the jetways are big enough to handle a superjumbo jet is up to the airline, according to the FAA.

The following airports meet the FAA design standards for the A380:

Anchorage International Airport

Denver International Airport

Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport

John F. Kennedy International Airport

Los Angeles International Airport

Orlando International Airport

Miami International Airport

San Francisco International Airport

In addition, three airports can handle A380 cargo planes:

Memphis International Airport

Louisville International-Standiford Field Airport

Ontario International Airport (California)

Dulles International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport are close to being ready for the A380, according to the FAA.