Greece to try to lease 21 regional airports as debt pressures force new strategies

For several years now the Greek Government has philosophically contemplated conceding its regional airports to the private sector, even of floating its share of Athens Airport via an IPO, but has been restrained by its indebtedness.

Just as Greece desperately needs help to reduce its massive deficit, its airports lack investor appeal for the same reasons, i.e. the negative effect on both in and outbound travel brought about by the sovereign debt crisis, ultra high unemployment, the possibility that the country may leave the European Monetary Union and even the breakdown of civil order.

Nevertheless it appears the government is finally to make an attempt at privatisation, by leasing 21 regional airports and with the tendering process starting immediately.