Small non-hub airport finances: Operational revenues and expenses and break-even enplanement levels

Abstract

Although non-hub airports do not enplane a large proportion of passengers, they are nevertheless important to small communities. Unfortunately, the airports serving many of these communities are facing an increasing financial strain which could conceivably present a threat to their continued viability. This paper reviews the financial reports for a number of non-hub airports, using the data to identify the approximate level of enplanements necessary for non-hub airports to generate sufficient operating revenues to fund airport improvements not eligible for federal funding.