The Socio-economic Impact of the Airport Upon the Community

The purpose of this study was to analyze the socio-economic impact that an airport has upon a community and to develop a method of determining that impact suitable for usage by an airport manager.

Data is presented which illustrates the magnitude and scope of the socio-economic impact of an airport. The various methods of analyzing this impact are discussed. Finally, a method of determining the impact, designed for airport managers, is presented.

Some of the main conclusions of the research are as follows: that it is very difficult to measure the total socio-economic impact of an airport upon the community, but a useful estimation of the magnitude can be obtained; that airports, with all factors considered, generally impact upon a community in a favorable manner; that the availability of air service is an important determinant of a community's growth rate; that the primary dis-benefits of an airport are ecological or environmental in nature; and that a good, active public relations program is a necessity.