Since federal authorities regulate civilian airports (the FAA), crimes committed at airports fall under federal jurisdiction. But when someone commits violence or causes life-threatening damage at an international airport, federal law imposes severe penalties.

Airport jurisdiction is a complex "layered" system that involves federal, local, and sometimes international authorities. In the United States, the physical land and daily operations are usually under the jurisdiction of a Local Airport Authority or a municipal government department. However, the "airspace" and safety regulations are strictly the jurisdiction of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Security is managed by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which is a federal agency under the Department of Homeland Security. Law enforcement on the ground is typically handled by a dedicated "Airport Police" division or the local city police department. Internationally, airports must also comply with standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). If a crime occurs on an aircraft in flight, jurisdiction can shift to the federal government (FBI) or the country where the aircraft is registered. This multi-agency approach ensures that everything from the terminal restaurants to the high-altitude flight paths is governed by specific, specialized laws.