Methodological Review of impact studies of airports: A qualitative and quantitative proposal for the Airport of Málaga-Costa del Sol

Airports have become fundamental axes of the economy of many countries. In Spain, the airports managed by Aena1 ended 2019 with more than 274.4 million passengers, which was 4.4% more than the previous year. They are not only important for tourism but also for other sectors that depend on imports and exports. For years, the impact measurements have included the IO tables, but we are now questioning whether they constitute the best measurement model. The research reveals that the main problem is the application of different methodologies used by airports and countries. For this reason, we propose a model to measure the economic impact of the Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport that incorporates the importance of the tourism. This study is conceived as a guide for studying the impacts of any airport around the world. The review reveals that the social accounting matrix with changes in the variables involved is the best available measurement model. The conclusions reflect that the qualitative point of view is necessary. This can provide data that, together with previous studies, will result in multidisciplinary research that will allow us to gain a much deeper understanding of these infrastructures. The conclusions have practical and theoretical implications for impact studies.