Market Entry Barriers for Low-Cost Carriers: An Examination Within the Turkish Market

Halil Semercioglu; Ali Ender Altunoğlu

doi:10.30518/jav.1899200

Market Entry Barriers for Low-Cost Carriers: An Examination Within the Turkish Market

Abstract

This research aims to classify the nature and characteristics of market-entry barriers encountered by low-cost carriers (LCCs) and to elucidate the strategies employed to counteract them. The emergence of the LCC business model fundamentally transformed the service paradigm within the aviation sector. These airlines have captured a rapidly increasing market share, reaching a global market penetration of 35% in 2020. Supported by the passage of the Turkish Civil Aviation Law in 1983, a shift in transportation policies in 2003, and its strategic geographical position, Turkey has recorded a growth rate surpassing the global average. Passenger numbers surged from 34 million in 2003 to an estimated 230 million in 2024. Turkish-registered airlines, leveraging this geographical advantage, gain access to 99 countries, 3.8 billion people, and significant economic markets within the narrow-body aircraft range. This expansion has intensified competition and recently facilitated the entry of new airline companies into the sector. The paucity of comprehensive studies on the LCC market in Turkey underscores the originality and significance of this research. Employing a qualitative methodology, this study draws on interviews conducted in April and May 2023 with sector experts and representatives of Turkish-registered LCCs. The data obtained from expert consultations underwent a rigorous thematic analysis, leading to the consolidation of market entry barriers into seven main themes. Foremost among these are governmental regulations, particularly those stemming from Turkey's relatively restrictive Asian and African markets due to its location. Strategies developed to overcome these barriers were grouped into four key themes, with managerial flexibility being the most critical. Due to the inherent nature of a qualitative research approach, the findings of this study are not generalizable. Future research could be substantiated with quantitative data, deepened by focusing on specific entry barriers, and expanded to incorporate the consumer perspective.

Keywords

Ethical Statement

Approval for this research was authorized by Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University Ethics Committee under decision number 140 and dated 21.11.2022.

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Air Transportation and Freight Services

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Halil Semercioglu ^*
0000-0002-5779-6172
Türkiye

Ali Ender Altunoğlu
0000-0002-7610-0812
Türkiye

Early Pub Date

June 7, 2026

Publication Date

-

Submission Date

February 27, 2026

Acceptance Date

March 27, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Number: Advanced Online Publication

DOI

https://doi.org/10.30518/jav.1899200

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA98YC69LC

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Semercioglu, H., & Altunoğlu, A. E. (2026). Market Entry Barriers for Low-Cost Carriers: An Examination Within the Turkish Market. Journal of Aviation, Advanced Online Publication. https://doi.org/10.30518/jav.1899200

AMA

1.Semercioglu H, Altunoğlu AE. Market Entry Barriers for Low-Cost Carriers: An Examination Within the Turkish Market. JAV. 2026;(Advanced Online Publication). doi:10.30518/jav.1899200

Chicago

Semercioglu, Halil, and Ali Ender Altunoğlu. 2026. “Market Entry Barriers for Low-Cost Carriers: An Examination Within the Turkish Market”. Journal of Aviation, no. Advanced Online Publication. https://doi.org/10.30518/jav.1899200.

EndNote

Semercioglu H, Altunoğlu AE (June 1, 2026) Market Entry Barriers for Low-Cost Carriers: An Examination Within the Turkish Market. Journal of Aviation Advanced Online Publication

IEEE

[1]H. Semercioglu and A. E. Altunoğlu, “Market Entry Barriers for Low-Cost Carriers: An Examination Within the Turkish Market”, JAV, no. Advanced Online Publication, June 2026, doi: 10.30518/jav.1899200.

ISNAD

Semercioglu, Halil - Altunoğlu, Ali Ender. “Market Entry Barriers for Low-Cost Carriers: An Examination Within the Turkish Market”. Journal of Aviation. Advanced Online Publication (June 1, 2026). https://doi.org/10.30518/jav.1899200.

JAMA

1.Semercioglu H, Altunoğlu AE. Market Entry Barriers for Low-Cost Carriers: An Examination Within the Turkish Market. JAV. 2026. doi:10.30518/jav.1899200.

MLA

Semercioglu, Halil, and Ali Ender Altunoğlu. “Market Entry Barriers for Low-Cost Carriers: An Examination Within the Turkish Market”. Journal of Aviation, no. Advanced Online Publication, June 2026, doi:10.30518/jav.1899200.

Vancouver

1.Halil Semercioglu, Ali Ender Altunoğlu. Market Entry Barriers for Low-Cost Carriers: An Examination Within the Turkish Market. JAV. 2026 Jun. 1;(Advanced Online Publication). doi:10.30518/jav.1899200