Airport epitomizes Hailey's signature storytelling approach, a method he honed early in his career. Although the novels may seem glossy and foreseeable, they are meticulously crafted, brimming with energy, and engagingly readable. Structured episodically, the narrative unfolds over a brief span during a dire crisis, serving two pivotal thematic roles. Firstly, this calamity threatens to shatter the institution's operations, granting a unique lens into its inner workings. Secondly, it orchestrates a high-stakes drama where the characters' personal dilemmas reach a critical juncture, allowing them to unveil their heroic valor or treacherous nature.

As the night progresses, everything appears to spiral into chaos. A fierce blizzard blankets a desperately needed runway, precipitating a cascade of turmoil. An explosive mid-flight catastrophe erupts when Guerrero's bomb tears a gaping hole in Demerest's aircraft, leaving Gwen tragically scarred. Amidst these calamities, Mel Bakersfeld's wife chooses this moment to declare her desire for a divorce. Simultaneously, Mel faces a throng of protestors, outraged over plans to construct a new runway that encroaches upon their community. These intertwining tales of institutional and personal turmoil are interspersed with chapters that delve into the debates and discussions surrounding the airport's operations, allowing the thrilling narratives and enlightening insights to unfurl in tandem.

Airport shares traits with the early twentieth-century muckraker tradition—a lineage populated by writers like George Lippard and Upton Sinclair, whose quasi-fictional works pulled back the curtain on the true nature of industries and institutions. Yet, Hailey’s exploration is not as thorough or broad in its social commentary. His novel also echoes a rich history of melodramatic storytelling, crafted by literary giants such as Charles Dickens and Harriet Beecher Stowe.

Furthermore, for its "behind-the-scenes" glimpse into social and historical landscapes shaped by melodrama, Hailey's book finds kinship with the works of contemporary authors like Irving Wallace, Allen Drury, and Harold Robbins. This connection emphasizes its role in a narrative tradition that both entertains and informs.

The cinematic adaptation of Airport emerged from the creative mind of George Seaton, who not only penned the screenplay but also took the helm as director. Under the banner of Universal Pictures, the production was shepherded by the esteemed Ross Hunter in 1970. This film, which faithfully brings to life the vibrant characters and gripping scenarios of the novel, boasts a glittering ensemble cast. Leading the roster are the iconic Burt Lancaster, portraying the steadfast Mel Bakersfeld, and the charismatic Dean Martin as Vernon Demerest. Despite its tepid reception from critics, the film soared to become a commercial titan, its success spawning a series of equally triumphant sequels.