Exploring the Impact of Pandemic Measures on Airport Performance

Abstract

The impact of COVID-19 measures on airport performance is obvious, and there have been numerous studies on this topic. However, most of these studies discuss prevention measures, the effects on airport operations, forecasts of economic impacts, changes in service quality, etc. There is a lack of research on the effects of various prevention measures on airport operations and the interrelationships between these measures. This study focuses on addressing this gap. In this study, an integrated approach is devised that combines the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method and interpretive structural modeling (ISM). This integrated method is useful for exploring the relationship between pandemic measures and airport performance as well as the complex relationship between them, and the combination of methods improves upon the shortcomings of the original models. This study reveals that mandating vaccination certificates for entry into a country is the most significant measure affecting airport performance. Additionally, aircraft movement at the airport has the greatest overall impact and can be considered the most crucial factor influencing airport performance from an operational standpoint. The findings show that both factors directly influence financial performance, as reflected in the net income. Some management implications are provided to mitigate the consequences of the measures taken to counter the pandemic crisis. This integrated approach should also assist authorities and policy-makers in planning cautious action for future crises.