The effects of new international airports and air-freight integrator's hubs on the mobility of cities in urban hierarchies: A case study in East and Southeast Asia

Abstract This paper examines international air traffic flows from, to and within East and Southeast Asia, and in turn the hub status of cities over the years from 1982 to 2012. Its focus of attention is the effects of new international airports and integrator's hubs on the mobility of cities in a region's urban hierarchy. The results reveal that Hong Kong, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Seoul are strengthening their positions as international air traffic hubs, all of which opened a new international airport. Meanwhile, three global air-freight integrators have constructed a global or regional hub in most of these cities. In contrast, Tokyo is downgraded from a top ranked global city during the period analyzed.