Economic Efficiency of Airports in Turkey's Priority Development Provinces and Their Contributions to the Regional Economy

This study investigates the economic efficiency of 28 airports located in Türkiye's development priority provinces over the period 2018–2022. Aiming to assess the role of these airports in reducing regional economic disparities, the analysis employs Data Envelopment Analysis and the Malmquist Index. The research evaluates both airport efficiency and the per capita income of the corresponding provinces to determine whether the airports fulfill their intended developmental objectives. Findings reveal that most airports positively contribute to the economic development of their regions. However, several airports exhibit inefficiencies that stem from technological or operational shortcomings, indicating the need for infrastructure improvements. The study emphasizes that in modern economies, balanced regional growth is challenging, and targeted infrastructure such as airports can serve as effective tools to mitigate such disparities when strategically supported.