Regional airports in a competitive market: A case study of Cardiff International Airport

Abstract

Political and market forces have increased the role of regional airports in the UK. This paper examines their spatial distribution and potential for competing and complementary activity between airport pairs, including between regional and London airports. Interviews with management personnel at Cardiff International Airport were used to explore the airport's commercial, marketing and strategic position. Analysis demonstrates how the boom in low-cost carriers has exploited demand for regional airports. Consequently, regional airports in the UK often compete in the same customer and airline markets; furthermore, they compete with London airports.