Mapping the structural dynamics of Iran's airport network: Implications for economic and regional development

Air transportation, as a pivotal driver of economic and social development in the modern era, plays a critical role in facilitating the movement of goods and passengers. This study, being the first of its kind in the field of social network analysis (SNA) utilizing data specific to Iran, investigates the structural and functional dynamics of the country's airport network through advanced SNA methodologies. With 70 domestic airports, understanding the connectivity patterns and centrality metrics of these airports is essential for enhancing network efficiency and accessibility. The dataset comprises 2500 records spanning the past six years, including origin and destination airports, flight frequencies, cargo volumes, and passenger counts. The findings reveal that Mehrabad Airport (THR) serves as the central hub, exhibiting the highest values of eigenvector centrality, closeness centrality, and betweenness centrality, thereby playing a pivotal role in facilitating air transportation and improving access to various destinations. A distinctive feature of this research is the application of a multi-weighted approach, incorporating three distinct weights—flight frequency, cargo volume, and passenger numbers—to analyze the network. This multi-faceted weighting system provides a nuanced understanding of the network's dynamics, as each weight reflects a different operational dimension of airport activities and their impact on the overall system. By employing this approach, the study not only identifies the most central airports in terms of connectivity but also highlights those that play critical roles in cargo logistics and passenger movement. Such an analysis is indispensable for uncovering complex interdependencies within the network, identifying potential bottlenecks, and optimizing underutilized resources. The implementation of modern SNA techniques, focusing on centrality measures, offers unique insights into the structural characteristics of Iran's airport network. The results underscore the strategic importance of key airports, such as Mehrabad, Mashhad (MHD), and Shiraz (SYZ), in maintaining network resilience and operational efficiency. This research contributes to the academic literature by providing a comprehensive analysis of Iran's airport network using advanced SNA tools, while also offering practical recommendations for policymakers. The findings can inform strategic decisions aimed at optimizing the air transportation network, improving service quality, and fostering economic and tourism development. Ultimately, this study lays the groundwork for future research and policy initiatives aimed at enhancing the efficiency and resilience of Iran's air transportation system.