Air Transport and Regional Development Policies is one of three interconnected books related to a four-year European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) Action established in 2015. The Action, called Air Transport and Regional Development (ATARD), aimed to promote a better understanding of how the air transport–related problems of core regions and remote regions should be addressed in order to enhance both economic competitiveness and social cohesion in Europe.

This book focuses on policy implications related to air transport and regional development. It begins with chapters that generally discuss important policy issues related to air transport and regional development in relation to connectivity and accessibility; dependency; airport governance and regulation; and air traffic control frameworks. This is followed by a number of chapters that consider government subsidies and state aid. The final chapters focus on other policy implications (tourism development, airport expansion, passenger taxation and noise control). Currently, no other single source publication covers this topic area in such a comprehensive manner, insofar as it considers so many policies and examples.

The book aims at becoming a major reference source on the topic, drawing from experienced researchers in the field, covering the diverse experience and knowledge of the members of the COST Action. The book will appeal to academics, practitioners and government bodies who have a particular interest in acquiring detailed comparative knowledge and understanding of the policy implications of air transport and regional development. Along with the other two books (Air Transport and Regional Development Methodologies and Air Transport and Regional Development Case Studies) it fills a much-needed gap in the literature.