Aviation Liberalization Should Drive Competitiveness and Innovation in Latin America and the Caribbean

Latin America and the Caribbean are expected to close 2025 with 789 million air passengers, marking a 4% increase compared to 2024. The top-performing countries are projected to be Colombia (+5.6%), Mexico (+4.5%), and Brazil (+2.1%).

Preliminary data also forecasts that regional air traffic will reach 821 million passengers in 2026. These data was presented on Monday during the Annual Assembly and Conference of the Airports Council International – Latin America and Caribbean (ACI-LAC), held in Trinidad and Tobago through October 7.

In his opening remarks, Rafael Echevarne, Director General of ACI-LAC, emphasized that liberalization and deregulation of the aviation sector are essential to driving sustainable and competitive growth in Latin America and the Caribbean. Open and unrestricted market access has proven successful globally, promoting efficiency, connectivity, and innovation—delivering direct benefits to passengers, airlines, and airports.

In a context of growing demand for efficiency and sustainability, ACI-LAC underscores the importance of ensuring that airports have the necessary resources to maintain and develop high-quality infrastructure and services. This guarantees continued investment, operational safety, and enhanced passenger experience.

“Airports have the right to charge for the use of their facilities and services. These charges are based on actual operating and maintenance costs and represent only a small portion of airlines’ total expenses. Moreover, they are regulated by competent authorities, ensuring transparency and balance in the relationship with airlines and passengers,” affirmed the Director General of ACI-LAC.

Air Connectivity, Climate Resilience, and Business Generation

Under the theme “Airports Defining Connectivity in Latin America and the Caribbean,” the first day of the ACI-LAC Annual Conference offered a comprehensive overview of the sector’s direction and challenges, blending strategic and current topics.

The opening panel featured airport CEOs and regulatory authorities sharing best practices in concession contracts, exploring lessons learned and potential advancements in the airport market. Other panels throughout the day addressed the legal framework for aerodrome certification—from ICAO standardization to practical implementation—as well as strategies for building climate-resilient infrastructure, boosting air cargo as a driver of opportunity, and trends in ground handling services that balance operational efficiency, passenger experience, and the energy transition.

Click here to access the full event program.