Implications for Destinations when Low-Cost Carrier Operations are Disrupted: The Case of Tiger Airlines Australia

In recent decades there have been substantial changes in the structure of the global airline industry commencing with deregulation closely followed by the emergence of Low-Cost Carriers (LCCs). LCCs have greatly increased the opportunities for affordable air travel by generating considerable opportunities for many destinations to tap into new markets. This paper examines a range of issues related to the operation of LCCs and how destinations may be adversely affected when problems emerge. Specifically the paper examines problems that arose in Australia in 2011 when Tiger Airways Australia was grounded for an extended period. Until its grounding the airline, while having a poor reputation for on-time service and customer service, did have a significant impact on airfares which rose on average by 15% during the period of it was grounded.