Geographic structure and regional socio-economic impact of low-cost airlines in selected cities of Central and Eastern Europe: the role model for Belarus.

Abstract

The goal of this article is to analyse the structure of geographic presence and the socio-economic impact of low-cost carriers (LCCs) in the selected countries of Central and Eastern Europe (neighbouring the Republic of Belarus – Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Ukraine and Russia). The model of the current geographic configuration of the LCCs network from the cities and airports with the closest proximity to Belarus was designed. The current market trends show that the major LCCs on the market are Wizz Air and Ryanair, and they are increasing their share at the markets of the countries analysed (particularly after Ryanair entered Ukrainian market in 2018). The overview of socio-economic impact of LCCs is discussed with accent on the possible benefits and outcomes of LCCs entry to the Republic of Belarus.