Why are the Products Sold at Airports Expensive?

In order not to miss the flight, you usually have a lot of free time at the airports where you go early with the thought of “just in case”. In order not to spend this time boring, you can even buy a souvenir while visiting the shops. until the plane ticket You may find it has a price.

Even if you manage to control yourself and not buy that product the tempting scent of capitalism keeps calling you. The slogan “The fire is calling you” will make your mouth water, but when you look at the prices on the menu, you realize that that fire is also preparing to burn your pockets.

A hamburger for 150 liras, a water for 20 liras When you take it, the rumbling in your stomach stops, but this time the rumblings in your head begin: Was it worth the money, wouldn’t I get much better stuff out there with it, why are airports so expensive? Let’s clear your curiosity about this…

Why are the products sold at the airport expensive?

1. Supply-demand issue
2. Lack of alternatives and low competition
3. High rent and expenses
4. Limited spaces
5. transportation cost
6. Prices for tourists
7. Build-operate-transfer method

Reason 1: Supply-demand issue

The economy of these places is different from the market economy we know. Just as the prices in Hakkari are very low compared to Istanbul, where the demand is high, due to the low demand. market divergence The example is also valid at airports.

Although the products are expensive as demand is still high Selling the products cheap will make no sense to the seller. In other words, products that seem expensive to you may not be to others. Those who find it expensive, on the other hand, spend with the thought that “I am rarely at airports anyway, giving this money will not have a serious effect on me in the long run”, so there will be no decrease in demand.

Reason 2: Lack of alternatives and low competition

You cannot bring food and drink from outside to airports, which are high-security places. Since the places where they are built are usually far from the city center, you will not find alternative markets and restaurants around. You have to consume inside in a doomed manner.

Moreover, as they are not in competition with the outside, they do not have any serious rivals inside. Because the number of stores in each category is quite limited. Therefore, they do not feel obliged to lower prices.

Reason 3: High rents and expenses

When you buy a product from an operator at airports, in fact, that operator’s You also pay part of the rent. In fact, you also pay a part of the salary of the workers. Because airport workers are usually educated individuals who speak several languages, their salaries are not minimum. This is reflected in the prices as well.

Reason 4: Spaces are limited

of businesses limited storage space is found. Suppose here that 2 liras of water is sold for 20 liras. If it was sold for 2 liras, trucks would have to carry water to the airports. Since there is no place to put them all, you also pay for those waters that cannot be taken to airports. In other words, the owner of the business gains as if there is 10 times more water in his tank.

Reason 5: Cost of transportation

Airports are far from the city center and vehicles just for that takes the product. There is no other place for distribution vehicles to distribute goods around. We also stated in the previous article that a limited amount of goods can be taken.

Since the goods distribution vehicles in the city distribute to the markets that are close to each other, the transportation costs are much less, which naturally reflects on the prices. Besides increase in fuel prices When this factor is taken into account, it will be understood more easily how effective it is.

Reason 6: Prices for tourists

“The more foreign currency enters the country, the better!” As the logic prevails, this situation also affects Turkish citizens who are paid in TL. As the exchange rate widens this difference is felt even more. This is why Turkish citizens have to pay more, not only at airports, but also at touristic places such as Ephesus.

Reason 7: Build-Operate-Transfer method

Operators of airports with this method private companies It is cited as one of the most important reasons for the cost. Although the reasons we mentioned above make it logical that airports are expensive, the current prices are astronomical, so we can use the Build-Operate-Transfer Method. ill-gotten gain It also focuses on the allegations that it is provided.

BONUS: Even if you don’t travel by plane, you pay for airports.

E.g; For Zafer Airport, 1,317,733 passengers were guaranteed in 2021, but the number of passengers remained at only 22,936 (1.8%). For the difference, the company pays 2 euros for domestic flights and 10 euros for international flights. These guarantee payments It is covered by your taxes.

It is possible to see similar markets in different places.

buy a ticket to the movie theater When you go, you have to pay more for the popcorn and cola than its normal price. Although not as expensive as in airports prices in resorts It is also expensive for many similar reasons. In the same way in resort areas You will find a similar market.

So the main reason for this is a simple “Entry into business” subject.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4