ACI calls for government support to underpin aviation restart

ACI (Airports Council International), the organisation representing many of the world's airports, has put out a definitive statement on its position regarding governmental support for airports.

According to ACI, the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic is estimated to result in a reduction of more than 4.6 billion passengers, with a decline in total airport revenues on a global scale of more than USD97 billion for 2020.

The points made by ACI make sense, but airports are part of a long queue, made up of every industrial and commercial sector, appealing for tax restraint and in some cases, hand-outs. Just about every industry is asking for much of the same relief and it would be unrealistic for governments to put airports at the top of the list every time.

Separately, ACI continues to be in disagreement with IATA over the relaxation of operating slot 'use it or lose it' rules.