New global guidelines strengthen public-private partnerships for airport development

In response to unprecedented air travel growth, Airports Council International (ACI) World and ACI Latin America and the Caribbean (ACI-LAC) released Airport Development Concessions Agreements: Global Approaches and Guidelines for Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). The new resource provides clear, practical guidance for structuring and implementing private-sector participation in airport development.

Today, more than 850 airports in over 90 countries involve private-sector participation, with 132 transactions in progress worldwide as of January 2025. Airport concessioning has become a widely adopted model to finance long-term infrastructure and deliver major operational improvements, emphasizing the need for globally informed and transparent guidance.

“Airports are vital to connectivity, trade, and economic development. As demand grows, governments face fiscal constraints to deliver the required sustainable infrastructure,” said Justin Erbacci, Director General of ACI World. “Well-structured public-private partnerships can mobilize investment, improve efficiency, and deliver world-class infrastructure while safeguarding the public interest.”

“These guidelines are built on decades of experience across our region and beyond,” said Dr. Rafael Echevarne, Director General of ACI-LAC. “They provide governments and investors with a practical and transparent framework to build resilient airport partnerships focused on long-term value for passengers, communities, and economies.”

Key areas covered:

Industry overview of airport development concessions

Step-by-step guidance on preparing, negotiating, and managing concession agreements

Frameworks for risk identification and allocation

Model clauses and templates for transparent partnerships

Governance, performance, and dispute resolution best practices

Global case studies and lessons learned

Guidance on sustainability and community value

Why it matters:

Builds financial resilience through smarter partnerships

Enhances transparency and long-term alignment

Reduces risks while fostering sustainable growth

The publication was unveiled at the 2025 ACI North America & ACI World Annual General Assembly, Conference and Exhibition in Toronto, hosted by Toronto Pearson International Airport with Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport as supporting host, and gathered over 2,300 delegates. The resource was developed in collaboration with Mott MacDonald and Modalis Infrastructure Partners Inc.

Source: ACI-LAC