Local low-traffic airports in Spainproblems and the necessary reorganisation of the territorial network

  1. José María Serrano Martínez 1
  2. Ramón García Marín 1
  1. 1 Universidad de Murcia
    info

    Universidad de Murcia

    Murcia, España

    ROR https://ror.org/03p3aeb86

Journal:
BAGE. Boletín de la Asociación Española de Geografía

ISSN: 0212-9426

Year of publication: 2015

Issue: 67

Pages: 251-274

Type: Article

DOI: 10.21138/BAGE.1832 DIALNET GOOGLE SCHOLAR lock_openDialnet editor

More publications in: BAGE. Boletín de la Asociación Española de Geografía

Abstract

Throughout the last four decades in Spain, the network of airports with exterior connections has significantly expanded. In fact, the total number of airports has increased from 20 to just over 50. The airport-building process has been particularly vigorous in recent years, all within a framework of intensive construction of a transportation infrastructure as a basis for economic growth. In the case of airports, a desire to increase tourism stands out as a primary motivating factor for growth. Generous financial support from the European Union, cheap financing and a national decentralisation policy have also contributed to the airport- building phenomenon. Such politics, however, have given more priority to local interests than to the interests of the country as a whole. Furthermore, the liberalisation of the air traffic market, new organisational systems for air traffic and the rise of Low-Cost Carriers (LCCs) have all contributed to the airport boom. But the recent economic crisis has significantly reduced passenger traffic in the majority of the small local airports in Spain. This crisis situation calls for a thorough reorganisation of the Spanish airport system, with a particular focus on these small local airports. Ultimately, the airport system should better serve the territorial urban network and reflect a more open and competitive aviation market.

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