Air connectivity in remote regions: A comprehensive review of existing transport policies worldwide

Abstract

A consensus exists in the literature on the strong link between air connectivity and economic growth and development. The need for connecting people and markets is part of national policies in different territories. The existence of remote areas, that is, those that under strict market criteria would not be transport supplied due to lack of commercial profitability, has led to the development of different public policies aimed to support air connectivity in regions where commercial airline operations are not viable. This paper provides a mapping of existing policies applied worldwide to provide air connectivity to remote areas, and critically reviews policies promoting air connectivity, including: 1) route-based policies; 2) passenger-based policies; 3) airline-based policies; and 4) airport-based policies. This effort is the first to compile and critically analyze all the existing alternatives to provide air connectivity in remote areas and to report on experiences worldwide. Moreover, we develop a novel taxonomy of existing public policies when it comes to providing air connectivity to remote areas. After reviewing different policy options and instruments applied globally, the paper ends with a policy discussion.

Access to Small Airports and the Impact on Regional Growth in the UK

“…Southend became an example of this when recent airport size increased (2016-2018) as economic growth increased with a similar trend. Therefore, the findings from this analysis are in line with the literature (Fageda et al, 2018); a strong accessibility can encourage future growth in the area and can help policy makers decided on planning matters.…”

“…Additionally, measuring and analysing accessibility helps policy makers evaluate the travel times to reach other regions. Fageda et al (2018) determine that there are strong links in many current literatures and studies that connect air connectivity with economic development therefore it is important for policy makers to invest time and research into mechanisms to promote air transport in order to improve the economy.…”

“…There is overwhelming evidence for governments and local authorities to support and provide subsidies for public use, for airports, in order to increase the number of connections and services (Fageda et al, 2018). This strengthens the "growth engine" through infrastructure improvements no matter the size and location of the airport (Green, 2007;Mosbah & Ryerson, 2016).…”

“…With the increase in transport opportunities better accessibility can occur and attraction of investment for businesses in order to fulfil the requirements for other government schemes (Vale of Glamorgan, 2017;Welsh Government, 2019). For policy makers, improving accessibility increases the economic development rate for the Vale of Glamorgan and if invested correctly, can predict the economic growth patterns from the development (Fageda et al, 2018;Burghouwt & Redondi, 2013). Regional plans can then consider airports to be a driver for development if the transport infrastructure is capable of current and future trends of other development schemes.…”

“…There is a relationship between the accessibility of small airports and an increase in economic growth, proving evidence to support Redondi et al (2011a) arguments. Thus, the more connections a small airport has, the greater the increase in passenger numbers and the faster the region can grow (Fageda et al, 2018;Percoco, 2010). Further investigations could be performed to explain and determine whether a link is present between accessibility and the airport through passenger perceptions and opinions.…”