MONTREAL — Capital expenditure (CapEx) allocated to commercial airport infrastructure worldwide has reached 48.4 billion USD for the current fiscal cycle, according to the annual financial monitor released by Airports Council International (ACI World).
The capital surge reflects a strategic realignment toward terminal automation, baggage handling replacement, and net-zero airfield infrastructure. ACI Director General Luis Felipe de Oliveira highlighted that non-aeronautical commercial revenues—encompassing duty-free concessions, food & beverage leases, and digital advertising—now account for 44.2% of total airport operating margins, driving private equity interest in terminal concessions.
Asia-Pacific and the Middle East represent over 52% of total capital allocations, led by megaprojects in Singapore, Dubai, and Riyadh.