▼ This thesis involves an empirical case study carried out at four commercial service airports in Northern Ohio to explore emerging trends in sustainability practices. Although the growth of aviation related activities brings about significant expansion of aviation infrastructure, -which consequently create extensive benefits that include employment, business, trade, tourism and community prosperity and pride-, unfortunately there are associated adverse side effects. Some airport operations have been linked to waste products and water, noise and land pollution. These have prompted health and environmental concerns, thus bringing the idea of airport sustainability to the forefront. This empirical case study employed a survey questionnaire to explore how four commercial service airports in Northern Ohio responded to five areas addressing sustainability. Data analysis revealed that, policies and practices followed by these airports are largely driven by local, state and regional environmental regulations. The scale of the airport operations seem to be the determining factor on the extent and focus of the sustainability area, thus airports with more operations are under more strict rules and face extra sustainability challenges. Great responsibility rests on management to develop the appropriate strategies, maintain and safely operate the airport asset by aligning sustainability initiatives with the airport’s goals for better operational efficiency and improved customer relations. These findings are significant since the future development of commercial service airports, rests squarely on the success of sustainability initiatives and their effect on the natural environments, the economic and social well-being of local communities. Advisors/Committee Members: Nettey, I. Richmond.