The study of international travel and tourism literature reflects the dominant position of air transport in the transportation of passengers around the world, which affects the economic development of many areas, and especially those considered geographically and touristically isolated. In addition, the changes taking place in the air transport may also have a significant impact on regional development.

While increasing the level of traffic can create significant congestion at large airports, remote areas may also suffer from the lack of service on slim routes. Regional airports can be valuable assets in tourism development. In recent years regional airports have seen considerable growth in traffic, particularly in conjunction with low-cost flights throughout Europe. Regional airports, especially when combined with a neighboring industrial, or tourism business, can be valuable assets in overall regional economic development of which tourism development is an important part. However, these airports often do not operate at full capacity since the neighboring tourism facilities and industrial parks lack the interest of investors, and vice versa. In times when the pandemic has further influenced the air transport sector, understanding the relationship between air transport and regional development is essential for better support of economic competitiveness and social well-being.

This study is investigating the contribution of Araxos Airport to the tourism development of the Western Greece Region. In conclusion, air transport is an integral part of the tourism product and in recent years there has been optimism about the airline interconnection of Greece's key and regional airports with European destinations. Finally, some proposals are made for future research based on the conclusions.