New global guidelines for airport development concession agreements have been introduced by Airports Council International (ACI) World and ACI Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). These guidelines aim to create greater clarity, consistency, and efficiency in public-private partnerships (PPPs) within the aviation industry. As global air travel demand continues to reach record highs, the need for effective capital investment and sustainable infrastructure development has never been more critical.
Growing Importance of Public-Private Partnerships in Aviation
Airport development concession agreements have become central to modern aviation infrastructure. With more than 850 airports in over 90 countries involving private investment or operational management, PPPs are now a key model for funding long-term airport projects. As of January 2025, over 132 concession-related transactions were reported at various stages worldwide, reflecting a strong and growing pipeline.
These partnerships help bridge the gap between limited public budgets and the increasing financial requirements of expanding airport infrastructure. Through well-structured concession agreements, governments can attract private capital to enhance airport facilities, improve passenger experiences, and ensure that operations meet international standards.
Statements from ACI Leadership
ACI World Director General Justin Erbacci emphasized the urgent need for governments to provide efficient, sustainable infrastructure to meet future aviation demands. He explained that well-designed airport development concession agreements can mobilize much-needed investment, strengthen operational efficiency, and support economic growth—provided they are built on transparency and balanced risk-sharing between public and private partners.
Similarly, ACI Latin America and the Caribbean Director General Dr. Rafael Echevarne noted that the new guidelines are grounded in decades of global experience. He highlighted that the framework is designed to provide a practical and standardized approach to ensure resilience and long-term value for passengers, local communities, and national economies.
Key Features of the New Guidelines
The document, titled Airport Development Concessions Agreements: Global Approaches and Guidelines for Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), offers a comprehensive roadmap for stakeholders such as governments, investors, concessionaires, lenders, and advisors.
It covers several critical areas, including:
- Current state of global airport concessions: An overview of existing PPP models and trends across regions.
- Feasibility assessments and negotiations: Best practices for evaluating projects and structuring agreements.
- Risk allocation frameworks: Guidance on distributing financial, operational, and demand-related risks fairly.
- Sustainability and governance: Strategies for ensuring long-term environmental, social, and economic responsibility.
- Transparency and dispute resolution: Model clauses to promote accountability and effective conflict management.
Additionally, the guidelines include global case studies that demonstrate lessons learned from various regulatory and economic contexts. These real-world examples are intended to help stakeholders adapt successful practices to their specific markets.
Significance for the Aviation Industry
For airport operators and aviation policymakers, these guidelines represent a major step forward in improving how concession agreements are designed and managed. By promoting standardized practices and transparent governance, the new framework reduces uncertainty around PPP structures. This, in turn, strengthens investor confidence and enables better long-term planning for airport development.
The guidelines also encourage a more sustainable approach to growth, ensuring that new airport projects not only expand capacity but also support broader social and environmental objectives. This focus aligns with global trends toward greener aviation and responsible infrastructure management.
Launch and Collaboration
The new guidelines for airport development concession agreements were unveiled during the 2025 ACI North America and ACI World Annual General Assembly, Conference, and Exhibition held in Toronto. This event brought together leading airport executives, policymakers, and infrastructure experts from around the world.
The publication was developed in collaboration with Mott MacDonald and Modalis Infrastructure Partners—both well-known organizations with extensive expertise in airport planning and development. Their input ensured that the guidelines reflect best practices and practical considerations drawn from real-world concession experiences.
Impact on Global Airport Infrastructure Development
The release of these global guidelines comes at a crucial time when airport development pipelines are expanding rapidly. As international travel rebounds and passenger numbers continue to grow, airports worldwide face increasing pressure to upgrade capacity, enhance safety, and meet sustainability standards.
The new framework offers a balanced approach that supports both public interest goals and private sector innovation. By fostering well-structured partnerships, airport development concession agreements can help ensure that infrastructure investments remain efficient, transparent, and aligned with long-term economic development.
The introduction of the global guidelines for airport development concession agreements marks an important milestone for the aviation industry. As airports around the world seek to modernize and expand, these standards provide a consistent and transparent foundation for collaboration between public authorities and private investors.
By emphasizing sustainability, balanced risk allocation, and clear governance, the guidelines are expected to shape the future of airport development for decades to come—ensuring that the aviation sector remains resilient, competitive, and ready to meet the challenges of global growth.
