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Larger airports have a radar control facility that is associated with the Control Tower. In most countries, this is referred to as Terminal Area Control or Approach Control. While every airport varies, terminal controllers usually handle traffic in a 30 to 50 nautical mile (56 to 93 km) radius from the airport and from the surface up to 10,000 feet. The actual airspace boundaries and altitudes assigned to a Approach Control are based on factors such as traffic flows and terrain, and vary widely from airport to airport.

Approach Controllers are responsible for providing all ATC services within their airspace. Traffic flow is broadly divided into departures, arrivals, overflights, and VFR aircraft. As aircraft move in and out of the terminal airspace, they are handed off to the next appropriate control facility (a control tower, an en-route control facility, or a bordering terminal area control).

Approach Control is responsible for ensuring that aircraft are at an appropriate altitude when they are handed off, and that aircraft arrive at a slow enough rate to permit safe landing times.

Not all airports have Approach Control available. In this case, the Area Control Center will coordinate directly with the tower and provide this type of service where radar coverage permits. Under these circumstances, the separation minimums are usually increased.