Work

Towards More Sustainable Planning Decisions Around Airports: Investigating Global Airport Classifications and Proposing a Four-Tiered System for Australia

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Airports differ vastly in purpose, scale, land use and activities. Although several criteria and definitions have been used to classify airports worldwide, no universally accepted classification currently exists. The lack of standardisation means an airport could fall under multiple overlapping categories, creating confusion and obscuring its actual role. Australia also lacks an official system that reflects the diverse nature of its airports. This paper addresses that gap by proposing a holistic and integrated four-tiered classification framework for Australian airports. Drawing on an international literature review and comparative policy analysis, the classification is based on four criteria: airport location, governance, network function and passenger profile. To illustrate its practical application, the system is applied to case studies of selected airports representing each tier, as well as airports that overlap between tiers. The proposed classification has the potential to enable more strategic, coordinated and sustainable infrastructure investment and land use decision-making around airports.

Source: Sustainability

DOI: 10.3390/su17125259

Authors: Isara Khanjanasthiti, Bhishna Bajracharya, Daniel O’Hare

Institutions: University of New England, Bond University

Language: English

Topic: Aviation Industry Analysis and Trends

Subfield: General Economics, Econometrics and Finance

Field: Economics, Econometrics and Finance

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896