Understanding Nonfiscal Barriers to Airport Development and Exploring Federal Policy Solutions

Abstract

Airport development projects are vulnerable to an array of nonfiscal challenges that can significantly delay or prevent projects. Through a survey of 20 airports, this research paper identifies important nonfiscal barriers to airport development and analyzes their characteristics and potential effects on the development process. In addition, a thorough literature review as well as meetings with industry professionals and FAA staff was used to explore resulting challenges and examine potential federal policy solutions. Research findings have revealed that community opposition, political opposition, airport stakeholder opposition, land availability, and environmental requirements are the most frequent nonfiscal challenges to airport development. These nonfiscal challenges have resulted in a lengthy and highly complex process in which runway expansion projects take a significant amount of time to complete. The impact on the national aviation system warrants a serious commitment by the federal government to address these nonfiscal challenges. Specifically, the federal government needs to tackle these obstacles more aggressively by expanding programs and reforming policies. By acquiring a better understanding of the nonfiscal challenges to airport development and exploring federal policy solutions, aviation system planners can move closer to achieving capacity, safety, and environmental goals.

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