Airports are considered important contributors to local economy and employment. However, together with the socioeconomic benefits they offer, environmental impacts also result from the operation of airports. Some of the main environmental and sustainable development concerns raised with respect to the operation of airports are emissions, noise, land use by airports and energy consumption. When deciding on building or expanding an airport, the challenge ahead of airport operators is to find a balanced approach for maximizing the capacity of airports and potential for future growth on one hand, and minimizing the accompanying environmental impacts on the other hand. By having appropriate and effective environmental management that develops and implements approaches, and a mechanism to integrate airports and their activities into sustainable development plans, airport operators can accomplish the best possible results, which means reaching an optimum balance between the airport’s growth and maximizing its social and economic benefits, as well as satisfying communities and regulators. Community involvement has a key role in facing the environmental concerns associated with operation and expansion plans of airports. Airport operators have a strong record of working together with their communities. Regarding regulatory initiatives for making airports more environmentally friendly and sustainable, a comprehensive and collaborative approach at international and national levels is needed, and therefore the role of international bodies like the ICAO in producing proper environmental standards for aircraft and environmental guidance to airports are highlighted. The ICAO is a global forum that works to realize the goals of the Chicago Convention of achieving uniformity in regulations, standards, procedures, and all other matters affecting international aviation; therefore this forum, by proactively addressing issues concerning aviation environmental impacts, can support national and local authorities with comprehensive guidelines for producing proper regulations.