Airports

Airports are more than transportation hubs; they are critical public infrastructure, economic engines, and highly regulated enterprises. Best Best & Krieger LLP’s (BBK) airports practice provides comprehensive legal counsel to airport sponsors, municipal owners and operators, aviation businesses, and infrastructure partners navigating the complex regulatory, financial, and operational landscape of the aviation industry. We deliver practical, business-focused solutions that support airport growth, regulatory compliance, revenue optimization, and long-term sustainability.

Our attorneys who serve airport and aviation clients bring diverse legal backgrounds and industry experience that support airports in advancing economic activity while also acting as responsible stewards of the environment and the communities around them. Drawing on deep knowledge of federal aviation regulations, public infrastructure and airport district law, governance, real estate development, finance, environmental compliance, and complex commercial transactions, our team delivers practical, strategic guidance tailored to the demands of a highly regulated and capital-intensive industry.

Comprehensive Services:

Regulatory & Compliance
We guide clients through the complex federal and state regulatory framework governing airports and aviation, including:

Federal and state airport and aviation legislation and regulations
FAA compliance and Airport Grant Assurances
Airport Improvement Program (AIP) and Passenger Facility Charges (PFCs)
Revenue diversion and airport rates and charges
Land use
14 C.F.R. Parts 13 and 16 proceedings
Airport certification

Airport Development & Infrastructure
From planning through construction and operations, we support airport development and modernization initiatives:

Terminal and airfield development
Public-private partnerships (P3)
Ground leases and aeronautical use agreements
Fixed base operator (FBO), concession, franchise, and hangar agreements
Procurement and construction contracting
Advanced Air Mobility and Unmanned Aircraft Systems/Drones

Finance & Governance
Airports operate as sophisticated enterprise systems. We assist with:

Airport district law, governance, and special district compliance
Revenue bond and special facility financings
Enterprise structuring
Public agency governance and transparency compliance
Strategic policy and operational advice

Real Estate, Land Use & Environmental
Our team advises on the unique land use and environmental issues affecting airports:

Compatible land use planning
Noise mitigation and Part 150 programs
NEPA and state environmental review
Property acquisition and disposition
Airport land use commissions (ALUC) and airport land use compatibility plans

Litigation & Dispute Resolution
We represent clients in aviation-related disputes involving:

Lease and concession agreement disputes
Regulatory enforcement matters
Construction claims
Procurement challenges
Land use conflicts
Labor and employment

LAWA/LAX - BBK is advising Los Angeles World Airports on the modernization of its procurement processes and documentation for its ongoing multi-billion-dollar construction projects anticipated to continue into the next decade.
Paso Robles Municipal Airport – BBK assisted with the development and issuance of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a new full service fixed base operator after the airport’s existing FBO agreement expired. The process drew strong interest and close public attention given the importance of the FBO to the airport and the local community. BBK drafted and structured the RFP to comply with FAA grant assurances and California public contracting laws. We advised on evaluation criteria and supported the review and interview process to promote procedural fairness and defensibility. We also assisted the airport in coordinating public communications and briefing elected officials throughout the RFP process and related negotiations to ensure clear, consistent messaging. In addition, we provided guidance on environmental considerations.
Palm Springs International Airport – We advise the airport on a wide range of matters, including leasing, concessions, capital development, and regulatory compliance. Our work includes drafting and negotiating hangar, terminal, and commercial leases, as well as concession and ground transportation agreements. We assist with construction and procurement for airport improvement projects and help ensure compliance with FAA grant assurances and other federal obligations. We also provide guidance on governance, public contracting, environmental review, and coordination with airport stakeholders to support efficient operations and long term planning.
March Inland Port Airport – We advise the Authority on airport leasing, land use, and capital development, including the drafting and negotiation of hangar, commercial, and development agreements. We support procurement and construction for airport improvement projects and help ensure compliance with FAA grant assurances and other federal requirements. Because the airport operates as a joint use facility, we work closely with the United States Air Force on access, security, and operational coordination. We assist with negotiating and interpreting joint use agreements and related documents to protect the Authority’s interests while maintaining strong intergovernmental relationships and mission compatibility.
PFAS - BBK is advising several public airports, including Santa Barbara Municipal Airport and Palm Springs International Airport, on ongoing legal matters related to water contamination attributed to the use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) containing PFAS and PFOA. Potential contamination at these sites implicates regulatory compliance obligations under CERCLA, the Safe Drinking Water Act as well as state law. BBK also provides litigation services in this area and has initiated related legal action on behalf of some of its clients.