A gangway comprising a fixed platform. A support structure is connected to the fixed platform in a manner that allows the support structure to rotate with respect to the fixed platform. A releasable position locking assembly that inhibits rotation of the support structure in a raising direction is also provided. The releasable locking assembly includes a closed-loop fluid arrangement.

Device at inclined floors in passenger bridges for connection between a terminal building and a ship or an aircraft, includes two or more consecutive walking tunnels adjustable to be inclined in relation to the horizontal plane, and which include horizontal resting planes, wherein the floor of the walking tunnel extends out from a floor portion constituting the resting plane in opposite directions from the resting plane. A first short end of the respective floor of the walking tunnel is pivotally fixed to the floor portion, constituting the resting plane, the other short end of the respective floor rests on a sliding or rolling surface arranged so that the floor can move lengthwise relative to the sliding or rolling surface. The floor portion forming the resting plane is arranged to be pivoted about a horizontal axis via an electric actuator or hydraulic cylinder, whereby the resting planes assume a horizontal position.

Device at inclined floors in passenger bridges for connection between a terminal building and a ship or an aircraft, includes two or more consecutive walking tunnels adjustable to be inclined in relation to the horizontal plane, and which include horizontal resting planes, wherein the floor of the walking tunnel extends out from a floor portion constituting the resting plane in opposite directions from the resting plane. A first short end of the respective floor of the walking tunnel is pivotally fixed to the floor portion, constituting the resting plane, the other short end of the respective floor rests on a sliding or rolling surface arranged so that the floor can move lengthwise relative to the sliding or rolling surface. The floor portion forming the resting plane is arranged to be pivoted about a horizontal axis via an electric actuator or hydraulic cylinder, whereby the resting planes assume a horizontal position.

A boarding bridge includes: a fixed tunnel of which one end is connected to a terminal or an extended fixed tunnel; and a rotunda of which one end is connected to the other end of the fixed tunnel and which is supported by a rotunda column. The rotunda column is driven to raise or lower the rotunda.

A boarding bridge includes: a fixed tunnel of which one end is connected to a terminal or an extended fixed tunnel; and a rotunda of which one end is connected to the other end of the fixed tunnel and which is supported by a rotunda column. The rotunda column is driven to raise or lower the rotunda.

A sprung gangway that is counterbalanced to remain in a given degree of extension or retraction includes a lifting resistance device that includes a linear index rail that slides selectively into and out of a hollow sheath unless engaged by a locking paw that is pivotally mounted to the sheath via a pivot bar, which when pivoted by tugging on a release cord effects disengagement of the locking paw and thereby permits raising of the gangway from the lowered working orientation to a storage orientation.

An airport is provided which is compact and which is such as to facilitate efficient movements of aircraft into and out of parked positions and to also facilitate movements of passengers. Aircraft can be moved in a forward direction both when entering and when exiting each parked position. Loading/unloading means include escalators that move passengers between underground gate areas and landings at about ground level and also include ramp structures that can move passengers between the landings and openings in the fuselage of a parked aircraft. Structures illuminate gate areas and landings of the loading/unloading means and extend above ground level but such structures and the ramp structures are so designed that neither interferes with movements of aircraft into and out of parked positions. The parked positions can be located in rows with aisles between such rows for movement of aircraft. The gate areas underlie and correspond to the parked positions and are thereby located in rows with aisles between rows for movements of passengers to and from and between gate areas. Passengers can thereby move through minimal distances either when departing or when arriving and either exiting the airport or moving between gate areas to depart on another aircraft.