Global aviation authorities are warning governments that failing to overhaul slot allocation rules and secure infrastructure funding risks choking economic growth as annual air travel surges towards nearly 20bn passengers by 2047.
The call to action was made by Airports Council International (ACI) World Director General Justin Erbacci during the ACI-LAC/World Annual General Assembly, Conference and Exhibition, which wrapped up in Lima, Peru.
“The industry will need to invest more than $4tn by 2055 just to meet the growth already coming its way. But we cannot simply build our way out of this challenge. Capacity creation means getting more from existing infrastructure, working as one system with airlines and air navigation service providers, and creating policy so that infrastructure can deliver its full benefits—connecting people and markets while also enhancing regional economic value,” Erbacci stated.
Central to this effort is the modernisation of airport slot frameworks, which shape route options, airline competition, and passenger choices when runway space gets tight, Erbacci pointed out, noting that airports cannot expand capacity if regulatory frameworks limit their ability to finance major projects.
“When capacity is scarce, decisions about who can fly, where, and when shape connectivity, competition and passenger choice. We are asking governments to plan ahead for aviation growth, enable capacity before it reaches crisis point and modernise regulatory frameworks and slot policies. And we cannot ask airports to expand capacity while limiting their ability to finance it. The equation simply does not work,” he said.
Passenger volumes grew in the first half of 2026 despite persistent geopolitical and economic friction. Traffic is projected to reach 19.8bn passengers annually over the next two decades, putting severe pressure on existing terminals and runways, according to ACI World.
The Lima gathering brought together more than 600 aviation executives and official delegates from over 60 countries. Hosted by Lima Airport alongside ACI Latin America and the Caribbean, the conference covered digital transformation, advanced air mobility, and infrastructure financing.
Following the event in Peru, ACI World announced that the Egyptian Holding Company for Airports and Air Navigation will host the 2027 edition of the assembly in Sharm El Sheikh from October 16 to 22.
Erbacci said: “What stood out in Lima was how aligned our industry is. Airport leaders from every region left this week with a shared understanding of what the next decade demands: more capacity, the right conditions to facilitate investment and a passenger experience centred on people.
“Just as important, they left determined to deliver on it together. We look forward to continuing these conversations in Egypt next year, another major gateway that showcases the power of connectivity.”
ACI Africa secretary general Ali Tounsi said: “WAGA 2027 will once again bring the global airport community to Africa, reflecting the continent’s growing importance in shaping the future of aviation.”
EHCAAN chairman Aiman Arab said: “As we prepare to host WAGA next year, we look forward to building on that momentum and creating new opportunities for dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge exchange.”
