Other Airport Operations — Business Survival Rate

An estimated 69% of other airport operations businesses survive their first 5 years, based on U.S. Census Bureau Business Dynamics Statistics. The annual business closure rate is 7.1%.

69%
5-Year Survival Rate
+14.1%
Net Growth Rate
3,965
Total Firms
296
Annual Firm Deaths

Is Other Airport Operations a Good Business to Start?

With a 69% five-year survival rate, other airport operations has an above-average survival rate compared to the national average of roughly 50%. This makes it a relatively safe industry to enter — businesses here tend to find stable demand and sustainable economics.

The annual exit rate of 7.1% is lower than many sectors, suggesting that once established, these businesses have staying power. That said, lower failure rates often correlate with higher barriers to entry or established competition.

Entry vs. Exit Rates

Annual rate of new businesses opening versus existing businesses closing.

Entry Rate (new businesses)10.9%
Exit Rate (closures)7.1%

Net positive: more businesses opening than closing (+3.8 pp spread).

Job Creation & Destruction

21.4%
Job Creation Rate
7.3%
Job Destruction Rate
+14.1%
Net Job Growth

The industry is adding jobs faster than losing them — a positive sign for both workers and new business owners looking to hire. Total employment: 245,690 workers across 3,965 firms.

Want to know how much other airport operations businesses actually make?

See full revenue benchmarks for Other Airport Operations

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of other airport operations businesses fail?
Approximately 31% of other airport operations businesses fail within their first 5 years. The annual closure rate is 7.1%, with 296 firms closing permanently in 2023.
Is the other airport operations industry growing or shrinking?
The other airport operations industry is currently growing with a net job creation rate of +14.1% per year. New businesses are entering at 10.9% while 7.1% close annually.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Business Dynamics Statistics (2023). Survival rate estimated from annual exit rates.