The present invention provides an artificial turf runway surface suitable for supporting take off, landing and taxiing of aircraft. The turf system cures many of problems and pitfalls associated with natural sand or grass systems, such as rutting, bare spots, erosion, unevenness, standing water as well as other problems associated with natural grass airstrips. The synthetic surface also removes nesting materials and food and thereby dissuades birds and other animals from landing and congregating thereon. The system includes a synthetic covering, such as an artificial turf covering, one or more sheeting or flow through membranes, a compacted rock base suitable for supporting the aircraft when landing, tacking off and taxiing.