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Why a multi-airport system? A tale of three metropolitan areas in China

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  • Xiao, Fan
  • Dobruszkes, Frédéric
  • Mo, Huihui
  • Wang, Jiaoe

Abstract

Regional airport systems worldwide vary across metropolitan areas. A pertinent question is why some metropolitan areas have multiple airports. This study aimed to examine the emergence of a multi-airport system (MAS) in the emerging economy as an interdisciplinary topic at multiple scales, given that the basic transport aspects are already well understood. By comparing three metropolitan areas in China based on a qualitative case study approach, this study shows how new mega-airports are embedded in multilevel development as spatial strategies and explores how contingent factors shape different evolutionary paths of regional airport systems. It extends the understanding of MAS from a regional perspective.

Suggested Citation

  • Xiao, Fan & Dobruszkes, Frédéric & Mo, Huihui & Wang, Jiaoe, 2025. "Why a multi-airport system? A tale of three metropolitan areas in China," Journal of Air Transport Management, Elsevier, vol. 128(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jaitra:v:128:y:2025:i:c:s0969699725001103
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jairtraman.2025.102847
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    References listed on IDEAS

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