ABSTRACT
The first part of this chapter examines the economics of competition between airports in Europe in the context of airline deregulation. It examines the history of airports in Europe not engaging in competition and the reasons proffered for non-competing airports before airline deregulation in Europe. The economics of low-cost airlines and the implications for airports are examined. Case studies are presented of airport competition in the UK, France, Belgium, Norway, Sweden, Italy and Germany. The scope for further airport competition in Europe is examined. The Ryanair case study is used to illustrate the user impacts of the combination of both airline and airport competition. The scope for further airport competition in Europe and its sustainability are examined.
