The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has raised concerns about the inability of over 400 airports worldwide to meet the growing demand for air connectivity, as highlighted in its global airport slot guidelines. This challenge, if unaddressed, could lead to a 25% increase in the number of underperforming airports, bringing the total to approximately 500 within the next decade. Such a development poses significant threats to global air travel freedom and economic growth.
In a white paper shared on its verified X handle, IATA attributed the growing issue to infrastructure expansion lagging behind increasing demand. To address this, the association proposed stricter slot regulations to encourage airports to maximize capacity using existing infrastructure. The white paper specifically cited Europe as a region heavily affected by this challenge. According to Airports Council International (ACI) Europe, up to 12% of air travel demand may go unmet by 2050 due to infrastructure limitations, which could undermine the continent’s economic competitiveness.
IATA explained that political constraints on large-scale airport developments, such as building new runways, exacerbate the issue. The Draghi report has already identified significant underperformance in addressing these infrastructure needs. As a result, the association emphasized the importance of airports implementing best practices to maximize capacity with existing infrastructure.
Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President for Operations, Safety, and Security, stated that the only permanent solution to insufficient capacity is construction. However, given the political and logistical challenges of building new runways or terminals, Careen stressed the need to optimize current infrastructure. While some airports serve as examples of efficient capacity utilization, many fail to adhere to the guidance outlined in the Worldwide Airport Slot Guidelines.
To address this imbalance, IATA’s white paper called for stronger obligations on airports to optimize capacity in alignment with airlines’ efforts to maximize operational efficiency. Currently, slot regulations penalize airlines for underutilizing slots but impose no accountability on airports for failing to optimize their capacity.
IATA recommended that airports periodically review and update their capacity declarations through transparent consultations to identify missed opportunities for improvement. By implementing such measures, airports could better align with airlines’ efficiency efforts, ultimately benefiting passengers through enhanced connectivity, improved service, and more accessible air travel.
The association reiterated its commitment to advocating for the interests of airlines and passengers alike. According to Careen, slot regulations have been instrumental in creating a robust global air transport network, offering increased connectivity, consumer choice, and lower fares. To sustain these benefits, IATA called for stronger performance obligations on airports to close the gap between high-performing and underperforming facilities. This, it argued, would enhance passenger experiences, improve air transport accessibility, and generate broader economic benefits.
