What does the success of an airport mean and when it contributes to the regional economy?

Abstract

Until recently airports were seen as part of infrastructure endowment of the country, and their main tasks were to ensure smooth and safe operation of airlines and passenger flow. This situation changed with the liberalization of air transport market and increasing integration and globalization of economies. Competitive environment caused the changes in the model of airport management, preferring increasingly a business approach based on economic calculation. A certain polarization in the development of airports is observed. Some airports enter the path of development and intensive growth, while others are at risk of collapse. The aim of the paper is to define the success of an airport, recognize the factors that have an impact on this success, with particular attention paid to the airlines-airport relationship management and identify the impact of an airport on the urban and regional economy. The problem is gaining importance in view of the pace of change taking place in the business environment.