从丽水到鹤岗，小城机场的账该怎么算？

Core Viewpoint - The construction of airports in small and medium-sized cities in China is driven by the desire to enhance local economic development and improve transportation accessibility, despite the financial challenges and operational losses faced by many of these airports [4][13][30]. Summary by Sections Airport Distribution and Characteristics - As of the end of 2024, there are 263 transport airports in China, with 81% located in third-tier and below small cities [4]. - Among the 213 small cities with airports, 84% have airports with passenger traffic below 2 million, and about 32% of these airports have seen a decline in passenger traffic [4][18]. Economic Impact of Airport Construction - Building airports can significantly boost local GDP and tax revenue, especially in economically underdeveloped regions. In 2024, cities with airports experienced GDP growth approximately 1% faster than the national average, and areas with small airports saw growth about 3% faster [13][14]. - Airports improve transportation conditions, allowing for greater connectivity and economic activity, which is particularly vital for regions with geographical constraints [14][29]. Financial Viability and Challenges - The initial investment for constructing a small to medium-sized airport in the western regions of China typically ranges from 1.2 billion to 1.5 billion yuan, with annual depreciation costs exceeding 50 million yuan [17]. - Many small airports rely heavily on government subsidies to maintain operations, with 78.7% of small airports reported to be operating at a loss [20][25]. Government Support and Subsidies - The Civil Aviation Administration of China has allocated a total of 10.6 billion yuan in subsidies for small airports from 2021 to 2025, with a projected 2.405 billion yuan in subsidies for 2025 [26]. - The subsidies are crucial for airports with annual passenger traffic below 2 million, as they often cannot cover operational costs through revenue alone [18][25]. Revenue Generation Strategies - Airports need to enhance their "self-sustaining" capabilities by diversifying revenue sources, particularly through non-aeronautical income, which has higher profit margins [27]. - Successful examples, such as Huizhou Airport, demonstrate the potential for profitability through effective commercial management and integration with broader transportation networks [28]. Future Considerations - The ongoing trend of airport construction in small cities reflects a broader contradiction in China's urbanization process, where infrastructure investments may not align with actual local demand [29][30]. - The focus should shift towards optimizing the operation of existing airports to better serve local development needs rather than merely pursuing new constructions [31].