Current situation, problems and future directions in airport management in turkey

This study aims to conduct an in depth examination of airport management in the Turkish context through a comparative perspective that addresses the reciprocal interactions among administrative, operational, and strategic challenges of aviation infrastructure within three fundamental ownership models. The theoretical foundation consists of a conceptual synthesis of institutional economics theory, contemporary public administration paradigms, and strategic management disciplines. This integrated analytical framework critically examines the dual identity of airports as both public service providers and commercial enterprises. Neoliberal transformations in the global economic system and privatization policies have distinctly shaped airport management structures in Turkey. In this context, the research scrutinizes the effects of these transformations on the managerial paradigms of aviation infrastructure. Beyond providing an original contribution to academic literature, the research aims to offer evidence-based strategic guidance for policymakers, sector regulators, and airport operators. Thus, it is intended to contribute both to enriching the theoretical framework regarding airport management and to developing optimal strategies for practical implementation. The research aimed to create consensus based on expert opinions using systematic Delphi technique within the scope of qualitative methods. Accordingly, multi-stage Delphi surveys were applied to a participant pool consisting of experts working in management levels of airports with different ownership and operational structures, as well as academics, and the level of consensus among experts was analyzed through structured questions. Sampling was diversified by stratifying airports, ensuring representative participation from each category. This enabled in-depth examination of the unique problems of different management models. Based on the findings obtained, a comprehensive roadmap has been presented for strengthening Turkey's airport management capacity and achieving more effective positioning in the global competitive environment.