Posted: 19 March 2026 | International Airport Review | No comments yet

Airport revenue recovery continues to lag behind traffic rebound, ACI World report finds.

Airports Council International (ACI) World has released the latest Airport Economics Report and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), showing that although global passenger traffic surpassed pre-pandemic levels in 2024, airport revenue has yet to fully recover.

In 2024, airports worldwide served 9.4 billion passengers, exceeding 2019 levels by 4%. However, airport revenues have not yet fully returned to pre-pandemic benchmarks, as recovery continues on a delayed timeline. This gap underscores the need for financially resilient airports and supportive regulatory frameworks that enable the investments required to sustain connectivity and improved operations, and to fund airport development needed to enable future passenger and economic growth.

The report is released amid heightened volatility, which continues to influence airspace availability, route networks, and operating costs across global aviation, adding further pressure on the financial health of airports worldwide.

AVAILABLE TO WATCH NOW 

25 February, 2026, 02:00PM GMT

This webinar provides actionable knowledge for airport operators and their sustainability leaders seeking to accelerate their transition towards a low-carbon future.

Key learning points:

WATCH FOR FREE NOW TO GAIN EXCLUSIVE INSIGHTS

Global airport financial performance (2024) and outlook

“Passenger demand has fully rebounded, but airport revenues are still catching up, underscoring the financial pressures airports continue to face,” said ACI World Director General Justin Erbacci. “As global air travel demand is set to grow strongly in the coming decades, policymakers must support regulatory frameworks that allow airports to strengthen their financial resilience and invest in the infrastructure needed to sustain connectivity and economic growth.”

SIGN ME UP

Stay Connected with International Airport Review — Subscribe for Free!

Get exclusive access to the latest airport and aviation industry insights from International Airport Review — tailored to your interests.

✅ Expert-Led Webinars – Gain insights from global aviation leaders

✅ Weekly News & Reports – Airport innovation, thought leadership, and industry trends

✅ Exclusive Industry Insights – Discover cutting-edge technologies shaping the future of air travel

✅ International Airport Summit – Join our flagship event to network with industry leaders and explore the latest advancements

Choose the updates that matter most to you.

Sign up now to stay informed, inspired, and connected — all for free!

Thank you for being part of our aviation community. Let’s keep shaping the future of airports together!

Aeronautical revenue, Non-aeronautical revenue, Passenger volumes, Regulation and Legislation

ACI World

Justin Erbacci