Towards More Sustainable Planning Decisions Around Airports: Investigating Global Airport Classifications and Proposing a Four-Tiered System for Australia

Isara Khanjanasthiti (), Bhishna Bajracharya and Daniel O’Hare
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Isara Khanjanasthiti: Department of Geography and Planning, University of New England, Parramatta, NSW 2150, Australia
Bhishna Bajracharya: Faculty of Society & Design, Bond University, Gold Coast, QLD 4226, Australia
Daniel O’Hare: Faculty of Society & Design, Bond University, Gold Coast, QLD 4226, Australia

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 12, 1-24

Abstract: Airports differ vastly in purpose, scale, land use and activities. Although several criteria and definitions have been used to classify airports worldwide, no universally accepted classification currently exists. The lack of standardisation means an airport could fall under multiple overlapping categories, creating confusion and obscuring its actual role. Australia also lacks an official system that reflects the diverse nature of its airports. This paper addresses that gap by proposing a holistic and integrated four-tiered classification framework for Australian airports. Drawing on an international literature review and comparative policy analysis, the classification is based on four criteria: airport location, governance, network function and passenger profile. To illustrate its practical application, the system is applied to case studies of selected airports representing each tier, as well as airports that overlap between tiers. The proposed classification has the potential to enable more strategic, coordinated and sustainable infrastructure investment and land use decision-making around airports.

Keywords: airport classification; international airports; domestic airports; regional airports; remote airports; Australia (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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