Research Article

Balancing Airport Development and Environmental Sustainability: A Qualitative Study of Stakeholder Perspectives on Istanbul Airport

Volume: 18 Number: 5 September 19, 2025
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Balancing Airport Development and Environmental Sustainability: A Qualitative Study of Stakeholder Perspectives on Istanbul Airport

Abstract

This study examines the balance between airport development and environmental sustainability at Istanbul Airport, a major global aviation hub facing significant ecological challenges. Using qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with eight experts across airport operations, environmental engineering, regulatory compliance, and sustainability analysis, alongside industry reports and policy documents, this research provides a comprehensive assessment of the airport’s sustainability strategies. Thematic analysis, co-occurrence mapping using NVivo, and sentiment analysis via Python’s TextBlob were employed to identify key concerns, interconnections, and stakeholder sentiments. Findings reveal that deforestation, biodiversity loss, air and noise pollution, and weak regulatory enforcement remain critical sustainability challenges, while renewable energy integration, AI-driven efficiency improvements, and waste management initiatives have shown positive progress. However, economic constraints and policy inconsistencies limit the effectiveness of sustainability measures. This study’s novelty lies in its multi-method approach, integrating expert insights with document analysis to cross-validate findings. The research underscores the need for stronger policy enforcement, stakeholder collaboration, and financial incentives for sustainable aviation fuel to achieve long-term sustainability goals. By aligning with best practices from global airports, Istanbul Airport can enhance its environmental performance while maintaining its strategic growth trajectory.

Keywords

References

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  6. Baxter, G., Srisaeng, P., & Wild, G. (2018). An assessment of airport sustainability, part 2—energy management at Copenhagen Airport. Resources, 7(2), 32.
  7. Bazeley, P., & Jackson, K. (2013). Qualitative data analysis with NVivo. Sage Publications. Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77-101.
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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Ecology, Sustainability and Energy, Transportation, Logistics and Supply Chains (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Early Pub Date

September 19, 2025

Publication Date

September 19, 2025

Submission Date

April 11, 2025

Acceptance Date

August 19, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 18 Number: 5

APA
Öz, T. (2025). Balancing Airport Development and Environmental Sustainability: A Qualitative Study of Stakeholder Perspectives on Istanbul Airport. Kent Akademisi, 18(5), 2856-2882. https://doi.org/10.35674/kent.1674031
AMA
1.Öz T. Balancing Airport Development and Environmental Sustainability: A Qualitative Study of Stakeholder Perspectives on Istanbul Airport. Urban Academy. 2025;18(5):2856-2882. doi:10.35674/kent.1674031
Chicago
Öz, Tuncel. 2025. “Balancing Airport Development and Environmental Sustainability: A Qualitative Study of Stakeholder Perspectives on Istanbul Airport”. Kent Akademisi 18 (5): 2856-82. https://doi.org/10.35674/kent.1674031.
EndNote
Öz T (September 1, 2025) Balancing Airport Development and Environmental Sustainability: A Qualitative Study of Stakeholder Perspectives on Istanbul Airport. Kent Akademisi 18 5 2856–2882.
IEEE
[1]T. Öz, “Balancing Airport Development and Environmental Sustainability: A Qualitative Study of Stakeholder Perspectives on Istanbul Airport”, Urban Academy, vol. 18, no. 5, pp. 2856–2882, Sept. 2025, doi: 10.35674/kent.1674031.
ISNAD
Öz, Tuncel. “Balancing Airport Development and Environmental Sustainability: A Qualitative Study of Stakeholder Perspectives on Istanbul Airport”. Kent Akademisi 18/5 (September 1, 2025): 2856-2882. https://doi.org/10.35674/kent.1674031.
JAMA
1.Öz T. Balancing Airport Development and Environmental Sustainability: A Qualitative Study of Stakeholder Perspectives on Istanbul Airport. Urban Academy. 2025;18:2856–2882.
MLA
Öz, Tuncel. “Balancing Airport Development and Environmental Sustainability: A Qualitative Study of Stakeholder Perspectives on Istanbul Airport”. Kent Akademisi, vol. 18, no. 5, Sept. 2025, pp. 2856-82, doi:10.35674/kent.1674031.
Vancouver
1.Tuncel Öz. Balancing Airport Development and Environmental Sustainability: A Qualitative Study of Stakeholder Perspectives on Istanbul Airport. Urban Academy. 2025 Sep. 1;18(5):2856-82. doi:10.35674/kent.1674031

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