Heliport - Definition and Overview

A heliport is a small airport suitable only for use by helicopters but larger than a helipad. It may have limited facilities such as fuel, lighting and a windsock but need not include any hangars. In larger towns and cities customs facilities may be available at a heliport. Generally heliports can be situated closer to a town or city centre than an airport, which gives advantages in terms of travel time to many urban destinations.

The early advocates of helicopters hoped that nearly all towns would have them but they have become contentious in urban areas and are still associated with disturbance by reason of the noise caused by helicopters.