We issue and enforce regulations and minimum standards covering manufacturing, operating, and maintaining aircraft. We certify airmen and airports that serve air carriers.

Yes, the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) strictly regulates all public-use airports in the United States, primarily focusing on safety, design, and operational standards. Under Part 139 of the Federal Aviation Regulations, the FAA issues "Airport Operating Certificates" to commercial airports to ensure they meet specific safety requirements, ranging from the quality of runway lighting and signage to the readiness of Airport Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) teams. The FAA also manages the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which provides billions of dollars in grants for infrastructure projects like runway expansions and noise abatement, provided the airport complies with federal guidelines. While the FAA regulates the "airside" operations (runways, taxiways, and air traffic control), the "landside" operations—such as terminal shops, parking, and ground transportation—are typically managed by the local airport authority or city government, though they must still adhere to broader federal security and accessibility laws.