Clarkson MBA Students Find Strong Demand for Expanded Air Service in North Country

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A team of Clarkson University MBA students has completed a study finding significant unmet demand for air travel among students, faculty and staff across the North Country, providing local leaders with data that could help guide future transportation planning and economic development efforts.

Working with the Village of Potsdam Planning and Development Office, the students surveyed members of the higher education community and found that many travelers rely on airports several hours away because of limited flight options, infrequent schedules and higher costs at regional airports. More than 60% of respondents said they would travel more frequently if airfares were lower and schedules improved.

New York City, Boston, Washington, D.C., Chicago and Toronto emerged as the destinations most desired for direct service from the region. Researchers also found that many travelers routinely drive two to three hours to reach larger airports, adding both cost and travel time to their trips.

The study concluded that the region's travel challenges stem less from a lack of demand than from barriers that suppress travel. Student researchers projected that direct flights to major hubs such as New York City or Boston could increase travel demand by approximately 40%, while lower fares and stronger regional airport connectivity could drive even greater growth.

The findings also underscored the importance of air travel for student recruitment, faculty retention, academic collaboration and international student mobility, suggesting that improved regional air service could benefit both North Country colleges and the broader regional economy.

The project was completed by Clarkson MBA students Bright Phiri, Violet Derbyshire, Ruvimbo Mabika and Stephen Colangelo under the supervision of Professor Krista Larock. The team worked with David Thurlow and the Village of Potsdam Planning and Development Office and collaborated with SUNY Canton and SUNY Potsdam on data collection and analysis. The survey gathered 241 responses from students, faculty and staff across the region's higher education community.

The students presented their findings and recommendations to village officials to support ongoing discussions about expanding transportation options in Northern New York.