Airport-driven urban transformation and emergent collective dynamics in Amazonian intermediate cities: evidence from Tarapoto, Peru

Introduction Airport infrastructure can act as a driver of urban transformation, particularly in intermediate cities where urban growth may outpace planning capacity. This study examines the influence of airport infrastructure on the transformation of the urban landscape of Tarapoto, an Amazonian in...

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Autores principales: Jhon Manuel Garcia Cruz, Jesus Alberto Huanca Mozombite, Jasser Jose Zavaleta Rioja, Astrid Cesia Zapata Antesana
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Publicado: 2026
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author Jhon Manuel Garcia Cruz
Jesus Alberto Huanca Mozombite
Jasser Jose Zavaleta Rioja
Astrid Cesia Zapata Antesana
author_browse Astrid Cesia Zapata Antesana
Jasser Jose Zavaleta Rioja
Jesus Alberto Huanca Mozombite
Jhon Manuel Garcia Cruz
author_facet Jhon Manuel Garcia Cruz
Jesus Alberto Huanca Mozombite
Jasser Jose Zavaleta Rioja
Astrid Cesia Zapata Antesana
author_sort Jhon Manuel Garcia Cruz
collection Producción científica
description Introduction Airport infrastructure can act as a driver of urban transformation, particularly in intermediate cities where urban growth may outpace planning capacity. This study examines the influence of airport infrastructure on the transformation of the urban landscape of Tarapoto, an Amazonian intermediate city in northern Peru. Methods A mixed and exploratory case-study approach was adopted, combining documentary analysis, cartographic analysis, structured direct observation, spatial interpretation, and semi-structured interviews. The historical evolution of the urban landscape was analyzed from 1865 to 2025, with particular emphasis on the period 2009-2025. Twelve participants, including residents, urban professionals, and local authorities, were interviewed using snowball sampling. Satellite imagery, urban planning documents, zoning information, and aerial photographs obtained with a drone were also analyzed. Results The findings indicate that the Guillermo del Castillo Paredes Airport has progressively become a structuring axis of urban expansion. Its surroundings experienced increased residential and commercial densification, changes in land use, reduction and fragmentation of green spaces, and increased pressure on mobility and public space. The analysis also identified differentiated perceptions among local stakeholders, with economic opportunities and improved connectivity coexisting with concerns regarding noise, traffic, environmental degradation, and urban disorder. Discussion The case of Tarapoto demonstrates that airport infrastructure can improve connectivity and stimulate economic activity while simultaneously generating environmental and socio-spatial pressures when urban growth is not accompanied by coordinated land-use planning. The findings highlight the need to integrate airport infrastructure, urban development, environmental conservation, and social inclusion within comprehensive territorial planning strategies.
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spelling openalex:W7204559090Airport-driven urban transformation and emergent collective dynamics in Amazonian intermediate cities: evidence from Tarapoto, PeruJhon Manuel Garcia CruzJesus Alberto Huanca MozombiteJasser Jose Zavaleta RiojaAstrid Cesia Zapata Antesanaairport infrastructureurban transformationmedium-sized citiesTarapotoAmazonian citiesurban expansionland use changegreen space fragmentationurban densificationstakeholder perspectivesspatial planningurban connectivityLatin American Urban StudiesUrban Development and Societal IssuesUrban Planning and GovernanceIntroduction Airport infrastructure can act as a driver of urban transformation, particularly in intermediate cities where urban growth may outpace planning capacity. This study examines the influence of airport infrastructure on the transformation of the urban landscape of Tarapoto, an Amazonian intermediate city in northern Peru. Methods A mixed and exploratory case-study approach was adopted, combining documentary analysis, cartographic analysis, structured direct observation, spatial interpretation, and semi-structured interviews. The historical evolution of the urban landscape was analyzed from 1865 to 2025, with particular emphasis on the period 2009-2025. Twelve participants, including residents, urban professionals, and local authorities, were interviewed using snowball sampling. Satellite imagery, urban planning documents, zoning information, and aerial photographs obtained with a drone were also analyzed. Results The findings indicate that the Guillermo del Castillo Paredes Airport has progressively become a structuring axis of urban expansion. Its surroundings experienced increased residential and commercial densification, changes in land use, reduction and fragmentation of green spaces, and increased pressure on mobility and public space. The analysis also identified differentiated perceptions among local stakeholders, with economic opportunities and improved connectivity coexisting with concerns regarding noise, traffic, environmental degradation, and urban disorder. Discussion The case of Tarapoto demonstrates that airport infrastructure can improve connectivity and stimulate economic activity while simultaneously generating environmental and socio-spatial pressures when urban growth is not accompanied by coordinated land-use planning. The findings highlight the need to integrate airport infrastructure, urban development, environmental conservation, and social inclusion within comprehensive territorial planning strategies.Articlehttps://doi.org/10.3389/frsc.2026.1840137W7204559090enFrontiers in Sustainable Cities2624-96342026-08-28
spellingShingle airport infrastructure
urban transformation
medium-sized cities
Tarapoto
Amazonian cities
urban expansion
land use change
green space fragmentation
urban densification
stakeholder perspectives
spatial planning
urban connectivity
Latin American Urban Studies
Urban Development and Societal Issues
Urban Planning and Governance
Jhon Manuel Garcia Cruz
Jesus Alberto Huanca Mozombite
Jasser Jose Zavaleta Rioja
Astrid Cesia Zapata Antesana
Airport-driven urban transformation and emergent collective dynamics in Amazonian intermediate cities: evidence from Tarapoto, Peru
title Airport-driven urban transformation and emergent collective dynamics in Amazonian intermediate cities: evidence from Tarapoto, Peru
title_full Airport-driven urban transformation and emergent collective dynamics in Amazonian intermediate cities: evidence from Tarapoto, Peru
title_fullStr Airport-driven urban transformation and emergent collective dynamics in Amazonian intermediate cities: evidence from Tarapoto, Peru
title_full_unstemmed Airport-driven urban transformation and emergent collective dynamics in Amazonian intermediate cities: evidence from Tarapoto, Peru
title_short Airport-driven urban transformation and emergent collective dynamics in Amazonian intermediate cities: evidence from Tarapoto, Peru
title_sort airport driven urban transformation and emergent collective dynamics in amazonian intermediate cities evidence from tarapoto peru
topic airport infrastructure
urban transformation
medium-sized cities
Tarapoto
Amazonian cities
urban expansion
land use change
green space fragmentation
urban densification
stakeholder perspectives
spatial planning
urban connectivity
Latin American Urban Studies
Urban Development and Societal Issues
Urban Planning and Governance
topic_facet airport infrastructure
urban transformation
medium-sized cities
Tarapoto
Amazonian cities
urban expansion
land use change
green space fragmentation
urban densification
stakeholder perspectives
spatial planning
urban connectivity
Latin American Urban Studies
Urban Development and Societal Issues
Urban Planning and Governance
url https://doi.org/10.3389/frsc.2026.1840137
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