Impact of aerotropolis on urban growth and related commercial activity

Purpose - Airports have historically been placed on the outskirts of cities on land that was considered to be unsuitable for substantial economic development. Less than a century ago, airports were primarily a simple conduit point where wealthy travellers and freight were able to go from point A to B. The importance of airports and other transport hubs, has changed significantly in the last decade with air travel becoming the predominant means of travel, with a large portion of the population either using the airport or being reliant upon it for their livelihood. Airports have in recent years become major employers, developers, and centres for urban growth with cities growing up around the airport infrastructure. This trend is now referred to as Aerotropolis (Wikipedia) and is seen as a major influence on future city development. This study investigates the impact of airports on urban growth, with cities now growing up around the airport. Case studies are used to determine whether this growth is a local occurrence, or are airports becoming a major determinant of future urban growth patterns? Airports are now major employers within the city and contribute a significant portion of the GDP. Air travel has increased over the last twenty to become a major contributor to the growth of modern cities. This is an emerging area of research with the rapidly changing revolution of city centres moving from proximity to railway, motorway and ports, towards airports. The research provides an insight into the impacts of airport growth on surrounding commercial activity. This research forms the foundation for a larger study, comparing strategies for management and development of airports in a 21st century global context. With increasing employment and commercial activity, centred around airports, this research identifies the challenges faced by commercial activities from changes in urban growth patterns.