Existing and new evidence on the effects of airline hubs.

Abstract

We review evidence on airline hubs and supplement existing literature by our own data. We start with an outline of how hubs can be classified, followed by an analysis of the drivers of the importance of hubs to airlines and an investigation of whether regions differ in the intensity of hubbing. Subsequently, we review empirical studies that deal with the location of hubs and with the effects that hubs have on the hub operator, passengers and competition. Finally, we outline questions not yet answered by evidence and discuss the future of hubs. jel Classification: L 93