Airports are economic engines of growth for the communities they serve, providing critical social and economic impacts beyond the runway. They have evolved from infrastructure providers into diverse, complex businesses and sophisticated service providers.
To face the challenges of an evolving, and at times, turbulent aviation industry, airports must continue to develop and invest in innovative business models, new technologies, and long-term capacity building.
ACI World provides expertise in the area of economics to foster the prosperity and sustainability of airports globally.
ACI World's Economics experts provide:
ACI World Economics Standing Committee
The ACI World Economics Standing Committee promotes the economic interests of airports and the communities they serve. By sharing expertise, best practices, and the development of policies and programs, ACI World ensures its members are equipped with the knowledge and tools they need to successfully navigate an evolving aviation industry.
Statistics and traffic data
ACI Intelligence Hub
Airport Traffic Forecast Datasets
- Analyses
- Summary tables
- Predicted rankings
- Insightful charts
- Full dataset of forecasts
Economics Training
Airport Finance Diploma
The ACI Airport Finance Diploma aims to provide participants a detailed understanding of the diversity of issues airports face in managing financial resources.
Airport Financial Management, ACI-ICAO Airport User Charges*, Airport Revenue Generation*
Publications
Explore ACI World publications to access expert handbooks, in-depth reports and datasets, as well as comprehensive guidance. Empower your airport with global insights across all areas of the airport business, including economics, sustainability, customer experience, and operations.
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(BUNDLE) 2026 KPIs + 2026 Airport Economics Report -
2026 Airport Economics Report
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2026 Airport Key Performance Indicators
Economics News
Stay informed with the latest ACI World media releases and advisory bulletins.
Webinars
Economics Webinars
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The Rising Role of Common-Use Airport Lounges -
Sustainability strategies for non-aeronautical concessionaires -
Leading Trends to Grow Airport Food & Beverage Revenues
ACI World Insights
Access the latest expert opinions, global tends and data-driven insights on the ACI World Insights blog. Stay informed to make strategic decisions that drive innovation in the airport and wider aviation sector.
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State of the Airport Non-Aeronautical Business: From Traffic Recovery to Value ReinventionDrawing on global data from the 2026 Airport Economics Report and Key Performance Indicators, and insights from the recent Trinity Forum, this article examines the evolving state of airport non-aeronautical business and the megatrends shaping future airport commercial strategy. Key Insight Global passenger traffic rebounded in 2024, but commercial revenues still lag, highlighting the need for airports and their partners to reinvent how commercial value is captured. “Growth comes from better recipes, not just more ingredients.”— Paul Romer, Nobel Laureate in Economics Passenger Traffic Underpins Non-Aeronautical Revenues Passenger traffic remains the fundamental driver...Read more -
How Do Traffic Forecasts Translate Into Revenue and Investment Decisions?Building on Part 1, which examined how airport traffic forecasting has evolved in the post-pandemic environment, Part 2 explores how these forecasts translate into airport revenue performance, capital investment decisions, and long-term system resilience. Key takeaways • Airport traffic forecasts increasingly inform revenue modelling and capital investment planning.• Revenue recovery does not always move in line with traffic recovery.• CAPEX forecasting is directly linked to long-term demand and infrastructure constraints.• ACI World’s analytical work connects traffic, finance, and infrastructure as part of an integrated aviation system. How does passenger traffic translate into airport revenue? Passenger traffic...Read more
