What defines an airport that acts as a central point for long-distance flights?

A hub airport serves as a central point for long-distance flights, facilitating connections between various destinations. It typically handles a high volume of passenger traffic and offers numerous routes to both domestic and international locations. The characteristics of a hub airport include having multiple airlines operating from it, a variety of flight options, and significant logistical support to manage large aircraft and extensive passenger services.

In contrast, a regional airport primarily serves smaller, local destinations and does not have the capacity or range of services that a hub airport offers. An international airport is focused on international flight operations but may not specifically function as a central hub for connecting long-distance flights. Similarly, a local airport generally caters to short-haul flights, serving nearby areas without the extensive flight network characteristic of a hub airport. Hence, the specific role and structure of a hub airport make it the correct choice in this context.