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Airport privatization has been, for many years, a topic of debate in the aviation industry. With 2 completely different approaches or views of airports, North America and Europe have established regulations and guidelines toward the development of their air transportation networks. The rest of the planet either aligned with one of these visions or adapted some practices of each model.

Privatization can occur in the form of management or ownership or both, and involves several areas such as landside or airside operations, real estate business, and business ventures outside the airport scope.

Each public authority classifies its airport’s main purpose and proceeds in accordance with its objectives. Sometimes, privatization benefits the community and the business as a whole; at other times, a lot of work and negotiations are needed to attain that balance.