Airport Fencing: A Buyer’s Guide

When it comes to important infrastructure, airports rank among the most critical facilities. According to the latest statistics, there are about 100,000 global flights every day. That’s a massive amount of people and cargo moving from one point to another, with nearly all of it facilitated by airports.

Airports also encompass a wide range of properties and facilities beyond runways and passenger terminals, including hangars, maintenance areas, storage buildings, and more. Keeping these facilities secure is paramount to ensure passengers, staff, and valuable equipment remain protected. Below, we take a closer look at airport fencing and how it safeguards these busy districts.

Why Do Airports Need Fencing?

There are several reasons why airports need fencing, and typically, the purpose of a given fence guides its design.

First, there’s a need to keep animals out. Airports often sit near farmland or natural habitats where livestock, deer, coyotes, and other wildlife might roam. In places like Arizona, animals such as javelinas or coyotes can wander into large open spaces. Keeping them off runways is a crucial safety measure.

Next is public safety. Although it might sound unlikely, there are documented instances of people wandering into restricted zones. Unauthorized entry onto runways or other secured areas creates risks for both the intruder and airport operations. A dependable fence system helps prevent this.

Airports also contain valuable equipment ranging from aircraft to advanced navigation systems. Theft of metals and other assets can be disruptive, and in some locations, large-scale theft may even temporarily shut down an airport. Fences form a key component of discouraging such crimes.

Lastly, there is the persistent threat of terror attacks or other malicious activities. While no one likes to dwell on this possibility, history has shown that airports can be targets. Proper fencing is part of a multilayered security approach that mitigates these vulnerabilities.

Given these varied concerns from wildlife management to high-level security, it’s no surprise that airports employ different fencing types based on their specific needs.

What Kind of Fencing Is Used at Airports?

As the reasons for airport fencing differ, the type of fence chosen can vary significantly. Some commonly used options include:

• Farm fencing, such as agricultural mesh or barbed wire, primarily to keep livestock away from airport grounds.
• Game fences designed to prevent larger wildlife (e.g., deer) from entering runways or other airside areas.
• Chain link fences, which offer a degree of security but often need to be reinforced with other features, as they can be circumvented if left unprotected.
• Metal fence systems like steel bar fences, palisade fences, and ornamental metal fences, which provide a stronger visual deterrent and can be harder to climb.
• Welded mesh fence systems, including “V” beam designs or even 358 mesh panels, known for their higher security features and difficulty to cut or climb.
• Specialty fencing solutions in areas where radar interference is a concern or other unique requirements exist.

Airports with higher risk profiles often have additional security layers integrated into their fence lines. This might involve razor coils, electric fence systems, or taut wire sensors that detect tampering or climbing attempts. In regions where animals or intruders might try to dig under barriers, there may also be below-grade security measures such as concrete footers or extended mesh panels.

Other Physical Security Measures on Airport Perimeters

Airport security involves more than perimeter fences. Because these facilities cover large spaces and incorporate different zones—from passenger terminals to cargo handling—additional barriers and measures often come into play.

These might include protective bollards where vehicles are not permitted, as well as manual or automated gates integrated with modern access control systems. Airports frequently deploy infrared beams, motion sensors, CCTV cameras, comprehensive lighting, and other technology-based security solutions along the perimeter to bolster physical fencing.

Inside the perimeter, there can also be specialized barriers around terminal areas, baggage handling zones, bonded warehouses, and maintenance facilities. These interior fences can range from simple enclosures to strict high-security partitions, depending on their function.

Finding a Contractor to Install Airport Fencing

One of the major challenges in planning an airport fence project is selecting a contractor who meets both the operational and security requirements.

A qualified fence contractor must be experienced with the specific type of fence system required—whether it’s chain link, ornamental steel, or advanced welded mesh. They also need to comply with strict airport security protocols, which may include background checks, employee security clearances, and specialized airside safety training.

In Phoenix and other busy cities, airport operators often require detailed documentation on the tools and equipment that contractors bring onto the job site. Working with an experienced professional who can navigate these layers of compliance is essential for completing the job on time and in line with mandatory regulations.

Airport Security Fencing Standards

Different countries, and even different municipalities within them, often have unique standards governing airport construction. These frameworks typically emphasize performance criteria, allowing some freedom in product selection while still meeting baseline requirements.

In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) provides airport construction guidelines, while other regions rely on equivalents such as the Civil Aviation Authority in the U.K. or local airport authorities in Australia or South Africa. Standards can evolve and become more stringent over time, so it’s essential to verify current requirements before proceeding.

Planning for the future is equally important. A perimeter fence can span many miles and replacing it prematurely can be costly and disruptive. Consider potential changes to security threats, local wildlife populations, and regional regulations that may arise in the coming years. Some fence systems can be upgraded or reinforced with additional measures if threats or requirements shift.

Western Fence Co. has extensive experience designing and installing commercial and industrial fences throughout the Phoenix area. From high-security perimeter solutions to custom gates, our team understands the unique complexities of airport fencing projects. If you’re looking for an experienced contractor for airport fence installation, learn more about our Phoenix commercial fence services.