ABSTRACT
In the early years of air transport development, the volume and range of research related to airport economics and finance was very limited, particularly in comparison to the airline industry (which is covered in Chapter 11). However, in the last two decades or so, there has been a very significant increase in this activity, which has resulted in a much better appreciation of important knowledge and the critical debates that exist in this area. Nevertheless, gaps still remain, with incomplete or contradictory understanding in some areas, particularly as the airport industry adapts to meet the rapidly changing demands of the air transport environment. Therefore, it is the aim of this chapter to provide a comprehensive assessment of current issues and challenges in airport economics and finance. Since the purpose is to provide the most up-to-date picture, only research since 2004 is referenced, with the assumption that any seminal studies that were undertaken before this date have been incorporated in this later research. Key avenues for future research are identified.
