How to compete for a place in the world with a hand tied behind your back: The case of air transport services in Girona

This paper studies the case of Girona-Costa Brava airport, which is an outstanding example of success in increasing airport activity. Passenger traffic has increased by 770% between 2002 and 2007, and it is expected to keep increasing in the near future. The main factor driving this growth has been the expansion of Ryanair operations. We analyze how the conditions provided by the region and the airport facilities have met those factors usually required by low-cost companies to expand operation in secondary regional airports. Besides, within a framework of lack of commercial activism by the airport manager, we analyze the commercial and financial policies undertaken by regional and local authorities to entice airlines to increase their flying to Girona airport, even if these authorities do not share any responsibility for airport management.