Clarkson University Students Complete Strategic Market Research for Ogdensburg International Airport

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A team of Clarkson University graduate students has completed a strategic market research study aimed at helping the Ogdensburg International Airport (OGS) better understand its customers and grow its role in the North Country region.

Conducted as part of Clarkson's MK696: Marketing Methods course, the project analyzed traveler behaviors, airport preferences, and key service gaps. Through surveys and in-person interviews with local travelers, the students uncovered actionable insights about OGS's current users and how the airport can better compete with larger alternatives like Syracuse, Montreal, and Ottawa.

One major takeaway: flight availability is the number one reason travelers choose other airports. One obstacle for OGS was awareness of its services and the destinations it offers. Despite this, those who use the airport report high satisfaction-especially appreciating the easy navigation, friendly staff, and short security lines.

"Our research found that younger travelers, especially those aged 21 to 25, are much more likely to use OGS," according to the project. "This makes nearby college students a key opportunity for outreach."

To help the airport connect with more travelers, the team recommended a mix of targeted digital ads, stronger partnerships with local universities, and incentives like student discounts and shuttle transportation from campuses. The students also suggested improving parking and addressing flight delays to further boost satisfaction and retention.

This Marketing Methods course gives students the opportunity to work with real companies while developing essential skills in defining research objectives, selecting appropriate methodologies, and collecting and analyzing data. The course culminates in both an oral presentation and a comprehensive written report, through which students present their findings and data-driven recommendations, providing organizations with actionable insights to support informed decision-making.