The Airport, a vibrant hub of inter-island travel and communication, is one of the first essential structures you'll encounter upon arriving in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. While you might spot it immediately, its full functionality isn't available from the get-go. Unlocking the ability to truly utilize the Airport for visiting friends or inviting others to your island is a straightforward process, directly tied to your initial interactions with Tom Nook and the game's introductory sequence.
Fortunately, you won't need to jump through many hoops to get this crucial building fully operational. The game is desed to get you connected with other players as quickly as possible, fostering the social aspect that is a cornerstone of the Animal Crossing experience. This section will guide you through the simple steps to ensure your Airport is ready for takeoff, allowing you to explore new horizons beyond your own island shores.
The Airport is one of the very first buildings you'll see on your island, situated prominently on the shoreline. Unlike other facilities that require construction or upgrades, the Airport is present from day one. However, its services for online and local multiplayer are not immediately accessible. To fully unlock the Airport's capabilities, you simply need to progress through Tom Nook's initial tutorial tasks.
Specifically, once you have:
- Set up your tent.
- Chosen your island layout.
- Attended the island orientation with Tom Nook.
- Received your NookPhone.
The Airport will become fully functional. There's no separate quest or item you need to acquire. Just follow Tom Nook's early instructions, and Orville and Wilbur, the Dodo Airlines employees, will be ready to assist you with travel. You can then visit other players' islands or invite them to yours, provided you have an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription for online play.