It seems you are trying to use phpVMS v7
If so - do NOT use beta4. Instead, use the latest dev build which is available in the Discord Releases channel. Yes, v7 will install to shared hosting. There is no local.config file in v7. The install and template folders aren't in v7 either.
As for airports, I suggest you add a few airports manually. Then export them to gain insight into the required fields. You can use Excel or the like to compile your airport list and import it into your database. Only add airports your VA intends to actually fly into. There is zero reason to add every airport in the world.
You initially posted in the v2/v5 support forums. I am moving your post to the v7 support forum.