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Aerotropolis and Urban and Regional Impacts: The Case of the King Shaka International Airport in Durban, South Africa

In: Practices in Regional Science and Sustainable Regional Development

Author

Listed:
  • Meghan Crosby

    (University of KwaZulu-Natal)

  • Brij Maharaj

    (University of KwaZulu-Natal)

Abstract

This chapter examines the development of the King Shaka International Airport (KSIA), Africa’s first purpose-built aerotropolis in the global South city of Durban. Air travel has become the fastest-growing means of transportation and also one of the primary contributors to the globalisation of cities. This is particularly so in a neoliberal era with an emphasis on economic efficiencies and profit maximisation in urban development. John Kasarda introduced the concept of the aerotropolis (the airport-centred city), viewed as a magnet for urban and regional development. A key contention of the aerotropolis argument is that airport expansion promotes the development of surrounding regions and can serve as catalysts for economic growth. At KSIA, there were challenges relating to continued relegation to spoke status, freight and cargo logistics, and airport taxes and tariffs. This study suggests that airport-centred development is elitist, especially in developing countries, like South Africa, with high levels of inequality. The KSIA aerotropolis is a neoliberal project serving to benefit a select minority, and the huge investment of public funds into this project may not be justifiable.

Suggested Citation

  • Meghan Crosby & Brij Maharaj, 2021. "Aerotropolis and Urban and Regional Impacts: The Case of the King Shaka International Airport in Durban, South Africa," Springer Books, in: R. B. Singh & Soumendu Chatterjee & Mukunda Mishra & Andrews José de Lucena (ed.), Practices in Regional Science and Sustainable Regional Development, pages 223-238, Springer.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:sprchp:978-981-16-2221-2_10
    DOI: 10.1007/978-981-16-2221-2_10
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