ASSESSING THE STRATEGIC ROLE OF AIRPORTS IN SHAPING THE GROWTH AND COMPETITIVENESS OF THE AVIATION INDUSTRY

Abstract

Airports are strategic assets of the aviation industry. These facilities are conducive to better connectivity, better operational efficiency, higher economic development, and competitiveness of the aviation industry. The strategic dimensions-the airport infrastructure, operational efficiency, technological innovation, and sustainability practices were taken for the study, which measures the strategic role of the airport for the growth and development of the aviation industry. A quantitative research methodology was utilized for conducting this study. We collected primary data from 250 respondents. The airport authorities, airline executives, aviation professionals and frequent air travellers make up the sample. The findings demonstrate that every strategic dimension makes an important contribution to improving the competitiveness of the aviation sector. The strongest predictor is technological innovation followed by sustainability practices and operational efficiency. The report on a stronger note states that the need of the hour is strategic development of airports for sustainable growth, improved service quality and enhanced future competitiveness.