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The role of regional airports in the context of regional development
Journal of Airport Management,
19
(2),
130-143
(2025)
Abstract
Regional airports serve as vital connections between regions, both domestically and internationally. It is essential to view airports as key infrastructure that supports the economic and social growth of their respective regions. As the entry point to a region, an airport’s success is not solely reliant on the expertise of its managers in creating effective governance, infrastructure, operations, and workforce development, but also on the attractiveness of the region itself to potential investors, contractors, and tourists. Consequently, a regional airport’s lack of profitability may not stem from poor management decisions, but rather from the broader economic conditions of the region it serves. Public funding or government ownership often covers the financial losses of these airports, which is typically considered state aid. However, this should be supported by a solid legal framework that permits the provision of compatible state aid in appropriate circumstances, ensuring the alignment of development across various regions within the European Union (EU). This approach would foster better communication between regions, promoting their development and convergence. While regional airports may not be profitable, their contribution to the well-being of European society is paramount.
Keywords: airports profitability factors; State aid for airports and airlines; Polish regional airports
The full article is available to subscribers to the journal.
Author's Biography
Joanna Fornalczyk has a PhD in economics in the field of management sciences, and is a certified internal auditor and partner in consulting company COMPER Fornalczyk i Wspolnicy sp.j. She gained her doctorate from the Faculty of Management at the University of Lodz and a Master’s from the same institution with a specialisation in strategic management, as well as a two-time scholarship holder of the Ministry of National Education. Since 1999, Joanna has cooperated in many advisory projects and proceedings in the field of competition protection, as well as many public aid projects implemented for both donors and beneficiaries, including in the construction, chemical, transport, entertainment and science parks, technological and aviation sectors. Joanna has a good knowledge of Polish and European competition protection law and State aid, taking into account the decision-making practice of the European Commission and the jurisprudence of the Court of Justice of the European Union. She also has experience in conducting trainings on topics related to State aid.
Anna Midera PhD is CEO of Lodz Airport Central Poland and President of the Association of Regional Airports in Poland. She has a PhD in economics and is an expert in strategy development, mainly in transport. Previous roles include Assistant Professor at the University of Lodz (1996–2008), Head of the Department of Transport Policy and International Affairs at the Ministry of Infrastructure (2008–15), responsible for projects such as negotiations with the European Commission of the Trans-European Transport Network TEN-T for Poland and Transport Development Strategy for 2020 (with a prospect until 2030). She is a member of Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s advisers’ team, and co-author of the document ‘Poland 2030 – Third Wave of Modernity: Long-Term National Development Strategy’ (2009–12). Anna was also Director of the Department of Strategy and International Cooperation at PANSA (2015–16), responsible for the management of the company, restructuring plan and PANSA Strategy. She was responsible for organising Routes Europe 2023 in Lodz, Poland, one of Europe’s most prestigious aviation (airports and airlines) business events.
