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Airports warn of “critical” need to modernise global policies on airport charges
November 24th 2021
Airports Council International World (ACI World) has called for less regulation of airport charges, arguing it would be in the best interests of the travelling public. Read More » ACI World warned, in a new policy brief, of a critical need to modernize global policy frameworks for airport charges in the wake of COVID-19. It said strictly cost-based airport charges should be reconsidered because they fail to ensure infrastructure is used efficiently for the benefit of the travelling public. The primary focus of charges should be based on market needs and the efficient use of infrastructure through commercial agreements between airlines and airports, it said. In the exceptional situations where economic regulation of charges is deemed necessary, light-handed oversight formats are preferred, it added. ACI World director general, Luis Felipe de Oliveira, said: “regulators must consider what is ultimately best for consumers. In many instances, this means ensuring existing infrastructure is used as efficiently as possible, incentivizing the sustainable development of airport infrastructure and enhancing connectivity to generate socio-economic benefits. All of the above require clear market signals for the efficient allocation of resources.”
