Source: ACI-LAC

As a major aviation conference concludes in Lima, Airports Council International Latin America & Caribbean (ACI-LAC) and Airports Council International (ACI) World wish to applaud the Government of Peru for its recent policy decisions aimed at strengthening the country’s aviation system through the enhancement of sustainable funding models. These measures help finance the continued operation and development of strategic airport infrastructure, support projected traffic growth, enable further economic development and provide a safe, secure, and high-quality passenger experience.

Aviation growth and investment needs

Aviation is undergoing a period of strong recovery and sustained passenger traffic growth, forcing the airport industry to prepare for increasing demand. Peru is positioning itself as one of the most dynamic markets for global aviation, and this growth will enable greater trade and tourism, and fuel the overall economic development of the country.  The overall competitiveness and ability to expand will depend on its airports’ continued ability to fund safer and more efficient airport operations, invest in infrastructure, adopt technological innovation, and optimize the passenger experience.

Airports should no longer be viewed solely as public infrastructure, but as strategic enablers for connectivity, commerce, tourism, and economic development. Therefore, regulatory policies and frameworks that recognize and allow access to greater connectivity and funding are essential to ensure their long-term financial sustainability and competitiveness.

International best practice for airport financing

The Peruvian government’s recent actions to enhance its airports’ ability to obtain necessary funding through the addition of a transfer fee demonstrate its understanding of the importance of airports as strategic assets that are essential to power the economic development of the region. 

Airport fees generally are a widely adopted practice among major airports worldwide and are part of the mechanisms recognized by international aviation policy to finance airport infrastructure and ensure safe and efficient operations. In particular, fees applied to transfer passengers are included in schemes used internationally to finance airport infrastructure and services related to connecting passengers. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) expressly recognizes the legitimacy and importance of allocating airport costs to these passengers, as set out in its Doc 9082 on airport charges policies.

Moreover, major global hubs apply these types of charges as part of their financing schemes. Such airports include Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, London Heathrow Airport, Singapore Changi Airport, Hong Kong International Airport, Incheon International Airport, and São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport. These airports are strengthening their status as global hubs, showing growth in traffic and connectivity, which demonstrates that applying these fees bolsters, and does not limit, their competitiveness.

Rafael Echevarne, Director General of ACI-LAC, stated: “Airport charges, including those applied to transfer passengers, are established and overseen by public regulatory authorities in line with widely adopted international regulatory practices. A clear and predictable regulatory environment is essential to strengthen competitiveness and continue expanding connectivity across Latin America and the Caribbean.”

Airports are businesses that must continuously invest in infrastructure, safety, and passenger services. Sustainable cost-recovery mechanisms are therefore essential and are recognized by ICAO as a core principle of airport financing. The Peruvian government’s recognition and implementation of policies that support these principles, which will help support their overall economic growth, should be applauded.