Evaluation of the Efficiency of Regional Airports Using Data Envelopment Analysis

Background: Small regional airports provide the necessary assistance to enable mobility in isolated areas where access is critical and costly due to poor road infrastructure and geographic constraints. Colombia’s air transportation industry has grown astonishingly quickly and dynamically over the past fifteen years. This period was coincident with the establishment and continued implementation of a public policy intended exclusively for the aviation industry and airports. However, there are currently no methods available to measure the efficiency of airports in Colombia, especially small regional airports. Methods: The research presented in this article aims to evaluate the technical efficiency of small regional airports in Colombia, using data envelopment analysis. This efficiency is achieved by considering the minimum infrastructure required to provide services and the administrative forms or properties that provide appropriate levels of this. Results: The study’s input and output data are identified, a non-parametric data envelopment analysis methodology is used, and the findings are assessed. Conclusions: The factors directly identified in the research affect the airport administration and, in the options, are available to help citizens transport optimally.