Modelling regional accessibility to airports using discrete choice models: An application to a system of regional airports

In this paper, we analyse residents' decisions regarding airport access mode in Apulia, a relatively peripheral multi-airport region in Italy. Both revealed and stated preferences data are used to estimate probabilistic demand models. The results are employed to calculate the relevant elasticities, separately for airport users and non-users, with respect to dedicated existing and planned/potential public transport services. We measure the effectiveness of specific policies/actions aimed at generating a shift from private modes (car and taxi) towards public transport, rationalising mobility towards the existing airports. Accessibility is one of the key factors in airports' provision, and an efficient public transport system might represent both an alternative to opening “local” – often costly and inefficient – airports in the same catchment area and a means to exploit economies of scale aggregating demand for existing airports.