The safest airports in America where a smooth landing is practically guaranteed.
Orlando International (MCO)
Safety Innovations: Like nearby Disney World, MCO has benefited from a surplus of cheap land in central Florida, allowing for aggressive expansion and parallel runways that greatly enhance safety. MCO is scheduled to have its new Runway Status Lights system deployed in August 2011, giving pilots real-time information on current and anticipated runway occupancy.
Portland International (PDX)
PDX is nearing the end of a three-year improvement program that includes the expansion of one runway, the complete reconstruction of a second runway, and new taxiways. It's not only one of the safest but one of the most picturesque American airports, along the south bank of the Columbia River in the shadow of snowcapped Mount Hood.
Pittsburgh International (PIT)
A state-of-the-art snow- and ice-removal system makes Pittsburgh one of the safest airports in the world during severe winter weather. Among its innovations are front and rear de-icing teams, runway sensors that relay real-time snow and ice conditions, and direct radio communication between the snow-removal crews and the FAA control tower.
George Bush Houston Intercontinental (IAH)
The airport master plan calls for the creation of a perimeter taxiway system that will allow arriving or departing aircraft to loop around active runway areas rather than crossing them. And it can't come soon enough. By the end of 2011, IAH will be one of only four airports around the globe with direct flights to all six inhabited continents.
Memphis International (MEM)
The FAA is building a state-of-the-art, $61.5 million control tower and an expanded terminal radar approach control at MEM. Memphis boasts an outstanding safety record, especially considering that it's been the world's busiest cargo airport for most of the last 20 years, and it shares runways with the Tennessee Air National Guard.
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)
Major enhancements have included a new underground transportation system and a third north-south runway. The airport's safety record is nothing short of phenomenal. In the last three years (2008–2010), CVG has experienced just one runway incident of any kind, and it had no immediate safety implications.
San Diego Lindbergh Field International (SAN)
Skimming low over Balboa Park and downtown San Diego, the final approach to Lindbergh Field is about as white-knuckle as it gets at major U.S. airports. But this hair-raising landing belies the fact that Lindbergh Field is still very safe. It's one of only four U.S. airports that already have their Runway Status Lights system deployed and undergoing operational evaluation.
