The Impact of Low-Cost Airports on Urban Development

This lecture explores the transformation of territories by low-cost airports, emphasizing their role as agents of globalization and glocalization. It delves into the evolution of airports from mono-modal fields to multifunctional hubs, highlighting their significance in the global economy. The lecture discusses the changing perception of airports in scientific literature, shifting from isolated entities to urban tools influencing their surroundings. Various models of airport urbanization are presented, such as aerotropolis and airport city, each with distinct economic, environmental, and social implications. Case studies, like Charleroi Airport in Wallonia, illustrate the impact of low-cost carriers on regional development. The lecture concludes by emphasizing the importance of aligning airport policies with urban planning for sustainable urban development.