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Unveiling the Interconnected World of Airports, Cities, and Regions: A Comprehensive Review of "Airports, Cities, and Regions: Routledge Advances in Regional Economics and Science"

Darren Nelson

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Published in Airports Cities And Regions (Routledge Advances In Regional Economics Science And Policy)

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In an era of globalization and interconnectedness, airports have emerged as pivotal infrastructure linking cities and regions worldwide. The dynamic relationship between airports, urban centers, and their surrounding areas has garnered significant interest among scholars and policymakers. The book "Airports, Cities, and Regions: Routledge Advances in Regional Economics and Science" delves into this intricate interplay, offering a comprehensive analysis of the economic, social, and environmental impacts of airports on their host communities.

Airports as Catalysts for Economic Growth

Airports serve as gateways to national and international markets, facilitating trade, tourism, and investment. By providing efficient transportation networks, airports stimulate economic growth in their host regions. The study by Levinson and Liu presented in the book demonstrates that airports generate significant employment opportunities both directly within the airport ecosystem and indirectly through supporting industries. They estimate that for every direct airport job created, an additional 2.5 jobs are created in the local economy.

Airports, Cities and Regions (Routledge Advances in Regional Economics, Science and Policy)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5661 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	292 pages

Furthermore, airports attract foreign direct investment (FDI) by providing connectivity to global markets. A study by Chirwa and Zhang reveals that improved airport infrastructure leads to increased FDI inflows, fostering economic development in developing countries.

Airports and Urban Development

The presence of airports has a transformative impact on urban development. The book explores the role of airports in shaping land use patterns, urban expansion, and the growth of airport cities. Hu and McMillen examine the emergence of airport cities in China, highlighting their role in driving economic growth and attracting investment. They argue that airport cities create a synergistic environment that combines transportation hubs with commercial, residential, and recreational facilities.

In the context of urban planning, airports often act as focal points for infrastructure development. The construction of new airport terminals and supporting transportation systems can revitalize surrounding areas and promote mixed-use developments. A case study by Sun and Levinson analyzes the impact of San Francisco International Airport's expansion on the nearby Bay Area. They find that the airport's development led to increased property values and a surge in commercial and residential development in adjacent neighborhoods.

Environmental Impacts of Airports

While airports provide numerous economic benefits, they can also have negative environmental consequences. The book delves into the complexities of airport-related pollution, including noise, air pollution, and water contamination. Forsyth and Hooper provide a comprehensive overview of the various sources of airport-related noise and its impact on surrounding communities. They explore measures to mitigate noise pollution, such as noise abatement procedures and land use planning.

Air pollution from aircraft emissions is another concern addressed in the book. A study by Sturman et al. examines the health impacts of airport-related air pollution on local residents. They find that exposure to aircraft emissions can lead to respiratory and cardiovascular problems, particularly in children and the elderly.

Water contamination can occur from airport operations, including spills and leaks of jet fuel and deicing fluids. The book discusses best practices for managing airport-related water pollution, emphasizing the importance of stormwater management systems and spill prevention measures.

Policy Implications and Future Directions

The book concludes by outlining policy recommendations and highlighting future research directions for addressing the multifaceted relationship between airports, cities, and regions. It emphasizes the need for a holistic approach that balances economic development with environmental protection. The authors call for collaborative planning between airport authorities, local governments, and community stakeholders to ensure sustainable airport development.

They also emphasize the importance of considering the broader regional context when making airport-related decisions. Airport development should be integrated with regional transportation plans and economic development strategies to maximize its impact on the surrounding area.

Future research directions include exploring the economic and environmental impacts of new technologies, such as electric aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs),on airports and their host communities. The book also highlights the need for more research on the social impacts of airports, including the effects on community cohesion and quality of life.

"Airports, Cities, and Regions: Routledge Advances in Regional Economics and Science" provides a comprehensive and up-to-date analysis of the complex relationship between airports, cities, and regions. It offers valuable insights into the economic, social, and environmental impacts of airports and highlights the need for collaborative planning and sustainable development strategies. This book is an essential resource for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners in the fields of regional economics, transportation planning, urban development, and environmental management.

Airports, Cities and Regions (Routledge Advances in Regional Economics, Science and Policy)

5 out of 5