2024

Leung, Abraham; Baumeister, Stefan

Island transport systems are as unique as the islands themselves, shaped by geography, politics, and community needs. Transport development raises key questions: does increased connectivity enhance or diminish islandness? Can large-scale projects balance economic goals with environmental sustainability and community needs? This special section brings together seven studies from four island jurisdictions to explore how transport configurations influence and redefine islandness. From the transformative role of fixed links in the Faroe Islands to the challenges of seasonal air travel in Akureyri, Iceland, and the extensive ferry networks in Hong Kong, these articles underscore the complexities of island connectivity. A case from Penang, Malaysia, illustrates grassroots resistance to artificial island creation, highlighting tensions between development and conservation. Together, these contributions offer fresh perspectives on the evolving role of transport in shaping island life and identity.