The Çukurova International Airport in The Target of Sustainable Aviation: SWOT Assessment

Abstract

The concept of sustainability aims to establish a balance between environmental, economic, and social dimensions, ensuring the current generation's access to resources while not jeopardizing future generations' ability to access these resources. Today, sustainability-focused efforts have become widespread in various fields, including the aviation sector at the international level. In this context, significant developments and advances have been made in sustainability efforts in Turkey. One such initiative is the Green Airport Project, launched by the General Directorate of Civil Aviation (GDCA) to promote environmentally friendly practices, increase energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and protect natural resources. Within the scope of the project, airports that meet the environmental criteria determined by the SHGM are designated as Green Airports and are certified with a Green Airport Certificate. This study aims to address this deficiency through a SWOT analysis of Çukurova International Airport, which does not yet hold this certificate. The analysis identifies the airport's strengths and weaknesses, as well as its opportunities and threats in meeting sustainability standards. This study also contributes to the literature by identifying green airport requirements and improvement conditions, thus contributing to the necessary strategic steps. The research findings indicate that some businesses operating at Çukurova International Airport have not yet qualified for a green organization certificate due to the lack of one. Finally, this is also believed to be due to the airport's recent opening.