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.
Our mission
Champion airports as businesses in their own right, powered by data-driven intelligence, economic policy & advocacy that support sustainable development of the aviation ecosystem, while providing excellence, thought leadership, and guidance globally in collaboration with ACI Regions and aligned with ACI World’s mission.
Advocating on behalf of airports
What ACI World's Economics experts provide
Areas of expertise covered
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.
How we support the industry
Airport Business and Charges
Airport business and charges play a central role in ensuring the financial sustainability of airports, supporting infrastructure development, safe and efficient operations, and global connectivity. ACI World promotes fair, transparent, and consultative charging frameworks aligned with international principles, enabling airports to invest responsibly while balancing the interests of airlines, passengers, and the wider economy.
Airport Non-Aeronautical Revenues and Activities (ANARA)
ACI World’s Airport Non-Aeronautical Revenues and Activities (ANARA) is a global center of excellence dedicated to advancing airport commercial performance. It supports airports in developing non-aeronautical revenues through research, best practices, innovation, and collaborative expertise, enabling sustainable growth, enhanced passenger experience, and long-term financial resilience.
Key Economics and Finance Resources
Economics Reports and Publications
ACI World’s economics reports and publications deliver high-quality, airport-sourced data and analysis on financial performance, traffic trends, and key performance indicators. Drawing directly from contributions by hundreds of airports worldwide, these trusted resources provide authoritative insights and benchmarking for industry stakeholders, supporting informed decisions, strategy, and planning across the global aviation sector.
ACI Intelligence Hub
ACI World’s Intelligence hub gives airports and industry stakeholders access to trusted, up-to-date data, interactive tools, and expert insights. Users can explore global traffic and performance trends, benchmark results, and forecasts, and customize reports by filtering and downloading data tailored to their specific needs through an annual subscription.
Airport Industry Report (AIR)
The quarterly Airport Industry Report (AIR) combines airport traffic data with economic, geopolitical, and industry insights to support forward-looking decisions. Each issue covers the macroeconomic outlook, the latest global and regional traffic trends, and key aviation indicators with a traffic outlook through 2025 and beyond.
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.
Learn about all Economics courses.
Economics and Finance 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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Airport Industry Report: Q4 & 12M 2025 -
(BUNDLE) 2026 KPIs + 2026 Airport Economics Report -
2026 Airport Economics Report
Additional Resources on Airport Economics and Finance
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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What Are the Busiest Airports in the World in 2025?In 2025, global air travel continued to build on its post-pandemic recovery, following the full rebound achieved in 2024. According to Airports Council International (ACI) World data, global passenger traffic reached 9.8 billion passengers, an increase of 3.6% versus 2024 and a gain of 7.3% compared to 2019. This confirms the resilience of the world’s leading aviation hubs, even as they navigate new constraints and shifting global dynamics. Busiest airports in the world in 2025 At the top of the global airport rankings for total passenger traffic, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) retains its title as the world’s busiest...Read more -
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
