Abstract
Small and medium-sized local airports have suffered from chronic operating deficits due to many factors except for large airports in Incheon, Gimpo, Jeju and Gimhae. These small and medium-sized local airports have currently been degraded to inefficient airports handling the significantly lower airline demand than their carrying capacities. In this context, this study conducted a survey on the actual conditions of the airline demand in small and medium-sized local airports for the last 10 years after the opening of the Korea Train eXpress and investigated the causes and actual conditions of an increase and a decrease in the airline demand. In addition, it analyzed the functionality, convenience and economic feasibility, competition elements in comparison with other means of transportation, and the actual competitive conditions of local airports. It investigated facility improvements through a field visit for local airports and analyzed the performance rate of passenger demands and the use rate of terminal facilities according to a change in the airline demand. This study aimed to provide basic data in the architectural planning field, needed to establish a plan for the airport revitalization of local airports with the results of an analysis on the actual conditions of small and medium-sized local airports.