Competitive analysis of medium-sized airports based on a tourism city

Purpose Airports play an essential role in the development of tourism destinations. Medium-sized airports (i.e. those that serve 2,000,000–10,000,000 passengers per year) have their advantages in influencing the development of the countries or regions. This study aims to investigate the competitiveness of mid-sized airport facilities in four Asia-Pacific regions. Design/methodology/approach This research used a qualitative case study approach and used secondary data to determine the competitiveness of six medium-sized airports. After comparatively analysing the attributes of all six airports, a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis of Macau International Airport was conducted. Findings Results of the case study indicate that Macau International Airport holds a competitive advantage over the other airports studied, especially in the recent traffic results dimension and market potential dimension. After identifying the SWOT of Macau International Airport, this study offers constructive suggestions on how its competitiveness can be enhanced. Originality/value Moreover, the academic and practical contributions of this research are significant, as no similar research about the competitiveness of Macau International Airport has been conducted. With the development of the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area, this research provides a useful guideline for the airport authority and government to enhance the competitiveness of Macau International Airport.