Connectivity levels and the competitive position of Spanish airports and Iberia’s network rationalization strategy, 2001–2007

This paper examines the connectivity of the Spanish airport system between 2001 and 2007. Over the period, network carriers considerably strengthened the connectivity between Spanish airports and major European hubs. Although OneWorld is still the dominant alliance in Spain, SkyTeam and Star achieved a larger connectivity share through the growth of indirect services provided through their northern European hubs. In addition, the network rationalization strategy of Iberia and its decision to concentrate operations at Madrid-Barajas had important implications for the connectivity of other Spanish airports. Low-cost carriers have boosted direct connectivity from secondary Spanish airports.

► We evaluate direct, indirect and hub connectivity of the Spanish airport system. ► Direct connectivity increases for low-cost carriers and decreases for network carriers. ► Foreign hubs are increasingly important in providing indirect connectivity in Spain. ► Iberia’s network rationalization had differential impact on each Spanish airport.