Decoding the Kangaroo Route: A multi-criteria analysis of airport selection for airlines and passengers in the contemporary era
Author(s)
Date Issued
2026
Publisher
Elsevier BV
ISSN
2210-5395
2210-5409
Citation
Research in Transportation Business & Management, 2026, vol. 69, article no. 101862.
Type
Peer Reviewed Journal Article
Abstract
This study examines potential post-pandemic changes on the Kangaroo Route using a multi-criteria framework (TOPSIS-EWM) to analyse 2022–2024 data from 17 connecting airports from both airline and passenger perspectives. The results suggest a reconfiguration of priorities: the data are consistent with the airlines prioritizing operational reliability and cost efficiency, while passengers appear to accord increased weight to terminal comfort and amenities over minimal journey time. The model ranks Dubai (DXB) and Doha (DOH) highest for airlines, whereas passengers prefer DOH and Seoul Incheon (ICN), the latter showing a substantial rise in preference associated with superior terminal experience. Comparative pre-pandemic analysis reveals patterns consistent with structural changes that warrant further investigation. These findings point to a competitive hierarchy where passenger experience may rival operational efficiency as a potential determinant of hub success, suggesting distinct strategic archetypes with clear implications for aviation stakeholders. The TOPSIS-EWM framework is normative rather than predictive; findings are hypothesis-generating and require confirmatory research using discrete choice models.
Loading...
Availability at HKSYU Library
