Economic policies governing the aviation industry exert a significant impact on the determination of airport charges and, consequently, on the operational costs of airlines and the final ticket price. This study, using a descriptive-analytical approach, examines the effect of liberalization and privatization policies on airport charges rates and their implications for passenger costs. The findings of this research indicate that within the framework of deregulation policies, airports tend to increase charges to maximize revenue. However, while intense airport-to-airport competition in some regions may lead to a short-term reduction in airport charges, this rivalry could eventually result in market concentration in the long run, favoring large corporations and reducing service diversity. Airport privatization has, in some cases, led to improved efficiency and increased investment; however, its implementation in the absence of effective supervision can lead to higher airport charges and a decline in service quality. Furthermore, low-cost carriers (LCCs), given their high sensitivity to airport charges, play a crucial role in regulating these charges and fostering competition among airports. The results of this study emphasize the necessity of formulating effective regulatory policies for setting airport charges. Such policies should both support healthy competition and prevent unreasonable increases in travel costs, thereby striking an appropriate balance between the economic interests of airports and the public welfare of passengers.
Airport charges ، deregulation ، privatization ، market power ، airport competition