Modeling airport networks for theoretical policy analyses

Abstract

More than in almost any other transport industry, air transport is globally connected. This paper provides an overview over theoretical studies considering network structures involving two or more airports. Beyond conveying study results, the goal is to offer guidance on how to \emph{theoretically} cover and analyze specific issues in the most effective way. Effectiveness is measured in terms of the complexity needed to address the specific issues. The selected issues discussed in this paper include ownership structures and privatization, congestion, beggar-thy-neighbor, and competition. We demonstrate that the analysis of these issues requires networks of different sizes and structures. We measure the airport size by the number of airports involved. We determine the network structure by (i) the number of regions and by distinguishing between regions which are just passively present or actively involved in policy making, and (ii) the involvement of local and non-local passengers.