Sustainable Passenger Services and Child-Friendly Airport Experience: A Case Study of Istanbul Airport

Bahar Yazgan (), Ozcan Dogan, Mahmut Bakır and Devrim Gun
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Bahar Yazgan: Department of Child Development, Hacettepe University, Sıhhiye, 06100 Ankara, Turkey
Ozcan Dogan: Department of Child Development, Hacettepe University, Sıhhiye, 06100 Ankara, Turkey
Mahmut Bakır: Department of Aviation Management, Samsun University, 55420 Samsun, Turkey
Devrim Gun: Department of Aviation Management, İstanbul Arel University, 34537 Istanbul, Turkey

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 23, 1-28

Abstract: This study explores the concept of child-friendly airports, using Istanbul Airport as a case study to understand how such environments can enhance the travel experience for families with children. Through qualitative research methods, including focus group discussion and in-depth interviews with 12 mothers and 12 field specialists, the research identified key attributes that constitute a child-friendly airport. Building upon the Place Diagram model, the results revealed that a child-friendly airport should prioritize sociability, comfort and image, uses and activities, and access and linkages, aligning with the model’s core themes. The results further identified numerous sub-themes linked to these four themes. Accordingly, airports should offer diverse play areas, family-friendly seating, efficient wayfinding, and high-quality, sustainable materials to create a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment for passengers with children. The study emphasizes the importance of designing airports that cater to the needs of children and their families, contributing to social equity and enhancing the overall passenger experience. These insights can serve as a benchmark for other airports aiming to improve their service offerings for families, supporting sustainable development goals related to reducing inequalities and promoting inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable environments. This study represents the first academic attempt focusing specifically on comprehensive services for passengers with children and the broader concept of child-friendly airports.

Keywords: sustainable airport operations; airport customer experience; social equity in transportation; child-friendly airport; Istanbul Airport (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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