Airport land use for natural, agricultural and recreational purposes

Entry requirements

Please use this Research Proposal, Personal statement and CV writing guide when preparing an application.

Months of entry

Anytime

Course content

According to the International Civil Aviation Organization, land use around airports can impact both operational safety and efficiency of the airport. Activities around an airport which can affect the safe and efficient operation of aircraft and community wellbeing should be taken into consideration when planning land uses in the vicinity of airports. There is a variety of possible land uses which have different sensitivity to aircraft and airports operations, third-party risk and aircraft noise exposure, and compatibility or incompatibility with them. The focus of the proposed research will be on natural, agricultural and recreational land use around airports.

Recently, there has been increased interest in airports as agents of change: from their impact on surrounding landscapes, to new radical designs. With the latter, Portland’s work in Oregon demonstrates the potential creative opportunities, with a scaling-up of green infrastructure and even wildlife to impact on wellbeing. Indeed, we are now seeing airports across North America, Asia, Europe and elsewhere adopting similar approaches; reflecting on how to incorporate sustainability not just within active operations, but in other ways too.

Natural areas, such as forests, open land, rivers, swamps, and bays often exist in the vicinity of airports. The existence of these natural areas can provide additional benefits. For example, the presence of natural features in aircraft approach and climb-out areas prevents aircraft noise problems. Many new airports have been located on artificial islands created specifically for the airport (Hong Kong International Airport). But there should be bird control measures in place to prevent bird strikes. Natural areas and features have been and can be used to also add natural elements and interest to the airports, as well as improve well-being of passengers, airport employees and local communities (Amsterdam Schiphol and Singapore Changi Airports).

Many airports provide an opportunity to establish agriculture to increase revenues. The agricultural use of land produces extra income from what might otherwise be waste of idle land, provides crop cover and prevents soil erosion, eliminates the expense to the airport of moving or taking care of the land. Communal gardens around airports have also become very popular recently (Berlin’s Airport Garden). It is important to remember that farming land inside or around an airport may attract wildlife which can represent a hazard to aviation. For instance, birds are attracted by certain crops and appropriate wildlife control and reduction measures should be in place.

There are several outdoor recreational uses that are compatible with airport operations and benefit local communities. Recreational uses such as playgrounds and athletic fields present limited problems in terms of noise and public hazards. Parks are ideal for hiking and riding trails and outdoor living facilities (Amsterdam Schiphol). Golf courses (Incheon Airport), swimming pools, tennis courts, botanical gardens become more and more popular, add interest, beauty and activity to the airport surroundings. Again, appropriate wildlife management mitigating actions should be taken to not present or create a hazard to aircraft operations, especially in terms of bird strikes. Some recreational uses are problematics in terms of noise and public hazards. For example, racetracks, outdoor theatres, amphitheatres, etc., as in case of an aircraft accident large groups of people are involved. Among other recreational land uses are archery ranges, go-cart tracks, dog tracks, skating rinks, bowling alleys, etc.

The proposed research will analyse existing case studies and best practices at airports around the world and propose a framework for airports located in a particular region / country (e.g., in the UK) to use in making decisions about appropriate land uses around these airports while taking into consideration certain limitations (operational, safety related, etc.).

Integrating biodiversity areas including wildflower meadows into airport land is a promising initiative for enhancing environmental sustainability. By transforming underutilised airport spaces into vibrant, biodiverse areas, airports can contribute to conservation efforts while also potentially reducing maintenance costs associated with traditional landscaping. This approach supports local wildlife and promotes a greener, more sustainable future.

This project calls for an interdisciplinary approach to reflecting on innovative practices by airports. Applicants may wish to evaluate initiatives or explore the scaling-up of good practice. We would invite applications with backgrounds in environmental studies, ecology, geography, engineering, airport operations and a host of other disciplines.

Fees and funding

This programme is self-funded.

To enquire about University of Salford funding schemes – including the Widening Participation Scholarship – visit this website.