Predicted global impact of COVID-19 on airport industry escalates
Loss of more than 4.6 billion passengers and $97 billion in revenue forecast for 2020
Montreal, 5 May 2020 – Airports Council International (ACI) World has released updated modelling that shows the worsening economic impact on the global airport industry.
The forecasts of prolonged – and more widespread – impacts and effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have resulted in worsening predictions for traffic and revenue losses for airports across all regions.
ACI World now estimates a reduction of more than two billion passengers at the global level in the second quarter of 2020 and more than 4.6 billion passengers for all of 2020. The estimated decline in total airport revenues on a global scale is estimated to be $39.2 billion (figures in US Dollars) in the second quarter and more than $97 billion for 2020.
This outlook provides yet another stark illustration of the need for government assistance for airports to preserve essential operations and to protect the jobs and livelihoods of the millions of people that work in airports around the world. Last week, ACI World and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) came together to call for urgent tax relief and direct financial assistance that is to the benefit of the entire aviation ecosystem.
“The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on airports, the wider aviation ecosystem, and the global economy continues to worsen and represents an existential threat to the industry unless governments can provide appropriate relief and assistance,” ACI World Director General Angela Gittens said.
“As traffic and revenue have collapsed, the airport industry has taken all possible measures to preserve stability, but the challenge remains that a significant portion of airport costs are fixed.
“Airports are critical in the air transport ecosystem which is a key driver of local, regional and national economies and the communities they serve, and this global economic multiplier effect needs to be safeguarded to help underpin recovery.
“Jobs need to be protected and airports given financial support so people can rapidly return to work while operations can be scaled up to meet demand as the industry restarts.”
ACI World has applauded those governments around the world that have acted to support airport jobs and operations, but time is running out for assistance to be provided.
ACI World has called for comprehensive financial relief including wage subsidy schemes to allow continued operations and a rapid return to full operations, the protection of airport charges and revenues, urgent tax relief to provide much-needed financial oxygen to airports to ensure continuity of operations and safeguard airport jobs, waivers to airport rents and concession fees, the continuation of charges on air cargo operations to maintain essential airside and cargo facilities. Grants and subsidies, secured financing, loans at preferential rates, and bank guarantees should be made available.
“Financial relief and assistance is urgently needed but it is crucial for the prospects of a balanced recovery that any assistance benefits the entire aviation ecosystem and does not target once sector over other,” Angela Gittens said.
Notes for editors
- ACI World has released a detailed breakdown of the predicted economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global airport industry.
- More information on ACI World Economics, Statistics, and Policyinitiatives.
- Stay up to date with ACI World’s COVID-19 communications through its dedicated news hub.
Airports Council International (ACI), the trade association of the world’s airports, was founded in 1991 with the objective of fostering cooperation among its member airports and other partners in world aviation, including the International Civil Aviation Organization, the International Air Transport Association and the Civil Air Navigation Services Organization. In representing the best interests of airports during key phases of policy development, ACI makes a significant contribution toward ensuring a global air transport system that is safe, secure, customer-centric and environmentally sustainable. As of January 2020, ACI serves 668 members, operating 1979 airports in 176 countries.
Media contacts
Bojana Jeremic
Manager, External Relations and Special Events
ACI World
Telephone: +1 514 373 1254
Email: mediarelations@aci.aero
Sabrina Guerrieri
Manager, Communications
ACI World
Telephone: +1 514 373 1200
Email: mediarelations@aci.aero