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ACI at ATConf/7

Strong Airports for Strong Economies and Communities

From 16 to 20 November 2026, States, international organisations and industry leaders meet in Montréal for the Seventh Worldwide Air Transport Conference (ATConf/7)(opens in new tab), the first since 2013. Their discussions on economic regulation, market access and sustainable growth will shape the environment airports operate in for years to come. 

Why ATConf/7 matters for airports

Global passenger traffic is projected to nearly double by the mid-2040s. Meeting that demand will require airports to invest well in advance in new capacity, modernisation and infrastructure renewal. This depends on stable, predictable and transparent regulatory frameworks that allow airports to remain financially viable and attract long-term investment. 

Just ahead of the ATConf/7, on 15 November 2026, ACI and ICAO co-host the Global Aviation Infrastructure Investor Forum in Montréal. It brings together investors, governments, financial institutions and airports to identify practical actions on infrastructure investment and long-term financing.

Learn more(opens in new tab)

What ACI stands for

States and international organisations submit Working Papers to present their positions at the ATConf/7. ACI is bringing three, all built on the same four priorities:

  1. Unlocking the investment needed to build the airports of tomorrow

  2. Stable regulation that keeps airports viable and funding innovation

  3. Opening up skies to connect more people to more places

  4. Keeping aviation revenues working for aviation

Working Paper

1

USD 4.1 trillion in airport capital investment needed by 2055

Enabling airport infrastructure investment and long-term financing

Airports are strategic assets, not just public infrastructure. States should let them operate as viable businesses and put in place regulation that supports sustainable financing, so airports can invest in the infrastructure of the future.

Read the full Working Paper

Working Paper

2

About 90% of the world's airports handle 5 million passengers a year or fewer

Strengthening the financial viability of small and regional airports

Small airports are often the only connection a community has to the wider world, and they support local jobs, tourism and essential services. States should recognise this role and support sustainable, diversified financing so these airports can keep operating and growing.

Read the full Working Paper

Working Paper

3

2x economic benefits lost to aviation taxes can be twice the revenue governments collect

Advancing ICAO's policies on taxation in the field of international air transport

States should keep a clear line between taxes and charges, avoid distortive taxation, and reinvest aviation-specific revenue in aviation.

Read the full Working Paper