Unpacking the digital divide: Heterogeneous effects of open sky agreements on air transport network centrality amid internet regulation constraints

Tyler B. Spence and Youngran Choi

Transport Policy, 2025, vol. 168, issue C, 207-219

Abstract: The OSA is a comprehensive framework that facilitates unrestricted air transport between partnering countries, promoting unlimited flight rights and minimal operational constraints. We examine the impact of entering into a bilateral air service agreement, particularly the OSA, with the United States. The OSA facilitates unrestricted air transport, fostering increased flight volume and global network centrality. Our analysis indicates a significant positive effect on network centrality over time for countries that entered into the OSA with the U.S. However, this effect on network expansion is influenced by a country's level of internet information control, such as controls of information dissemination, with stricter regulations weakening the benefits of the OSA. While previous studies emphasize the economic advantages of OSA, our research highlights the role of internet regulations in shaping these outcomes. We propose that policymakers leverage OSA to stimulate economic growth, particularly through tourism promotion and fostering liberalization and competition of airline industry.

Keywords: Open skies agreement; Connectivity; Information flow (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0967070X25001581
Full text for ScienceDirect subscribers only

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:trapol:v:168:y:2025:i:c:p:207-219

Ordering information: This journal article can be ordered from
http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/supportfaq.cws_home/regional
https://shop.elsevie ... _01_ooc_1&version=01

DOI: 10.1016/j.tranpol.2025.04.016

Access Statistics for this article

Transport Policy is currently edited by Y. Hayashi

More articles in Transport Policy from Elsevier
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Catherine Liu ().