Which factor do airports have the least control over?

Airports have the least control over their location because geographical and environmental factors typically determine where an airport can be situated. Factors such as land availability, surrounding terrain, urban development, and existing infrastructure play critical roles in determining an airport's site. Once established, changing an airport's location is a significant and costly endeavor that often involves complex legal, political, and logistic challenges.

In contrast, operational hours can often be adjusted based on demand and management decisions. Staffing levels can be influenced by the airport's operational needs and budget decisions. Maintenance budgets, while they are subject to financial considerations, can also be modified based on the airport's priorities and funding sources. Thus, the location remains a more fixed aspect that airports have significantly less influence over compared to the other factors.