Airport Updates: Latest News On the Global Market (W/C June 2, 2025)

The latest news on airports globally, with updates on financing, infrastructure expansion and sustainability initiatives.

The Canadian Airports Council (CAC)—a division of Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA), which represents more than 100 Canadian airports—is pushing for the country’s government to take action to increase connectivity at regional airports. The organization is calling for Ottawa to invest more in airport infrastructure at smaller airports and to establish an Essential Air Service (EAS) program similar to the U.S. The U.S. federal government subsidizes flights that otherwise may not be profitable through an EAS program aimed at sustaining connectivity at smaller airports. CAC noted flight frequencies at Canadian regional airports stand at 64% of 2014 levels and 83% of 2019 levels. Seat capacity at regional airports is at 94% of 2014 levels, but fewer flights are being operated with larger aircraft by fewer airlines. “With fewer flights and a decreasing number of airlines serving these routes, passengers face significant limitations in flexibility and choice,” a CAC report states. “For communities where regional airports often provide the only access to essential travel, this decline in connectivity disrupts economic activity.” While overall seat capacity at regional airports across the country is close to 2014 levels, the provinces of Alberta and Manitoba have seen significant declines. “Alberta operated at just 39% of its 2014 flight frequencies and 43% of its seat capacity, while Manitoba saw an even more dramatic reduction, with only 13% of its frequencies and 45% of its seats remaining,” CAC said. “These steep drops have greatly diminished connectivity for these provinces.” The organization added that over the last 30 years, “the U.S. has invested 8.5 times more per capita in airport infrastructure than Canada. While Canada’s approach has focused primarily on letting market forces dictate air service availability, other countries use a mix of infrastructure funding, direct airline support and passenger subsidies to maintain access in smaller markets.”

Pune Airport (PNQ) in India has added 15 daily slots during peak hours, according to Murlidhar Mohol, India’s civil aviation minister. Daily allowed movements at PNQ will now be 235, up from 220.

Malta International Airport (MLA) said during its annual general meeting that capital expenditures totaled €68.4 million ($77.6 million) in 2024, including enhancements in the arrivals hall, baggage claim and security screening. The airport also added four aircraft parking stands in 2024 and in May opened another four aircraft parking stands. With the additions, “the airport will be better poised to handle mixed-fleet operations during the upcoming peak summer months,” MLA CEO Alan Borg said. He noted the airport increased net profit 15% year-over-year in 2024 to €46.3 million, “making 2024 the company’s most profitable year to date.” Annual passenger traffic at the airport in 2024 grew over 15% versus 2023 to 8.96 million. 

Irish Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien said the government has allocated €7.8 million ($8.9 million) for infrastructure improvements at three regional airports in Ireland: Donegal (CFN), Kerry (KIR) and Knock (NOC). The majority will go to NOC, which will receive €5.7 million, followed by KIR (€1.8 million) and CFN (€346,000). “This funding will contribute towards capital investment in the areas of safety and security at airports, while also supporting projects with a sustainability focus, assisting airports to meet their carbon reduction targets as well as building resilience against climate change,” O’Brien said. “Among the 33 projects being supported this year are solar photovoltaic (PV) projects, which will see the expanded production of electricity from renewable sources at Donegal Airport and the installation of a solar PV farm at [NOC]. This builds on the support provided last year for solar PV farm projects at Shannon and Cork airports. Other significant investments include new safety and security upgrades at Kerry and Donegal airports.”

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP), a Delta Air Lines hub, promoted Mike Wilson to director of integrated operations, responsible for directing airfield operations, emergency management, safety and training programs. For the last two years, Wilson was MSP’s assistant director for field maintenance. MSP said he will be “accountable for ensuring all operations, safety programs and training are compliant” with FAA regulations. Wilson will report to Joe Harris, MSP’s vice president of management and operations.

Pierre-Hugues Schmit has been named the new CEO of London Gatwick Airport, succeeding Stewart Wingate, who will take on a new role as UK airports managing director for Vinci Airports and Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP). Schmit, currently chief commercial and operational officer at Vinci Airports and a non-executive director on the Gatwick board, will assume the CEO role on Sept. 1. He and Wingate will work together in the coming months to ensure a smooth leadership transition. Wingate, who has led Gatwick for 15 years, will oversee strategic direction for Gatwick, Edinburgh Airport and Belfast International in his new role.

A new terminal at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima has been officially opened, marking one of the most significant infrastructure upgrades in Peru’s aviation history and positioning the city as a major air hub for South America. The $2.4 billion facility, led by Lima Airport Partners (LAP), is three times the size of the previous terminal and designed to handle up to 40 million passengers annually. “This airport will generate around 121,000 jobs, directly benefiting nearby communities. Moreover, it will serve as a key engine for the country's economic growth, creating opportunities for future generations, fostering business and promoting tourism recovery,” LAP CEO Juan José Salmón says.

U.S.-based airport investor and operator Avports has named Marc Ricks as its new CEO. Ricks brings more than 20 years of experience in infrastructure, real estate and public-private partnerships, most recently serving as cheif executive of ShopCore Properties. He succeeds Jorge Roberts, who led Avports for six years. "Marc is uniquely equipped to lead Avports into its next phase of growth, and we are excited to begin this next chapter under his leadership," says Teresa Mattamouros, member of the Avports board of directors.