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Can small airports ever be profitable?
Journal of Airport Management,
19
(2),
164-172
(2025)
Abstract
This paper discusses the future of small airports that struggle with profitability. According to international studies, profitable operations require up to 1 million passengers per year. The paper showcases the situation at small airports in Finland, from hundreds of thousands to only tens of thousands of passengers per year. The airport company Finavia operates a total of 20 airports throughout Finland. Finnish airports can be divided into three categories: growing, stable and decreasing, based on their current situation. The paper discusses the global and local trends affecting profitability, cost structures and future possibilities for small airports.
Keywords: profitability; network airports; airports; small airport; state support
The full article is available to subscribers to the journal.
Author's Biography
Jani Jolkkonen is a Senior Vice President of the Airport Network at Finavia. In this role, Jani is responsible for 19 regional airports in Finland. Finavia operates and develops 20 airports in Finland, including Helsinki Airport. Prior to joining Finavia Jani worked for over 15 years in logistics at Posti Group in several leadership positions. He has also worked in the telecommunications and management consulting industries. Jani holds an MSc in industrial engineering and management from Tampere University of Technology and an Executive MBA from Helsinki School of Economics.
