Which type of airport has active control of air traffic?

A towered airport is characterized by having a control tower responsible for the active management of air traffic within the airspace surrounding the airport. This includes communication with pilots to provide instructions regarding takeoffs, landings, and taxiing on the ground. The control tower personnel, typically air traffic controllers, ensure the safe and orderly flow of aircraft, especially during busy periods when multiple aircraft are operating in the same airspace.

In contrast, general aviation airports and private airports do not necessarily have air traffic control towers. While some general aviation airports might operate with limited control, they are typically uncontrolled, meaning pilots assess their own spacing and safety without direct instructions from a control tower. Uncontrolled airports lack any active air traffic control, relying instead on pilots to communicate their intentions and manage their own movement. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for recognizing how different airports operate in varying air traffic environments.