Image Credit: Western Sydney International Airport
Simon Hickey & Jean-Francois Decaux celebrate the new deal.
Global out-of-home (OOH) media company JCDecaux has won the contract to manage digital advertising assets at Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI).
The international gateway is on track to open for passenger services by the end of October, with the launch of cargo services scheduled by the end of July.
JCDecaux has signed on to partner with WSI for the next decade, during which the business will manage a fully digitised portfolio of 27 assets across the airport’s terminal precinct, as well as critical roadways connecting passengers to their new airport.
WSI CEO Simon Hickey commented: “JCDecaux operates premium airport media networks at leading international gateways globally, including Heathrow, Dubai and Singapore airports, and we’re delighted they’ll now deliver a comprehensive series of digital advertising assets at WSI.
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with them and for businesses and brands to harness this opportunity to deliver creative advertising assets to a diverse and highly engaged audience of domestic and international travellers.”
JCDecaux Australia & New Zealand Co-Chief Executive Officer David Watkins noted: “WSI is an exceptional airport development. We’re proud to partner with WSI to create a premium airport media network from the ground up.
Image Credit: Western Sydney International Airport
Pictured left to right: David Watkins, Jean‑Francois Decaux, Alison Webster, Simon Hickey and Max Eburne.
“We’ll deliver a fully digitised suite of internal and external assets designed around the passenger journey, giving brands high-attention, high-quality ways to connect with travellers from day one.”
WSI Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Alison Webster added: “JCDecaux’s extensive portfolio reaches more than 850 million people globally, demonstrating their world-leading approach to digital advertising that connects businesses and brands to new customers each day.
“This is an excellent opportunity for domestic businesses to reach new markets and equally a valuable new channel for global brands to speak to one of Australia’s fastest growing and most vibrant regions – Western Sydney.”
Annual value sales reached €10.13 billion in 2025.
The European Travel Retail Confederation (ETRC) has released the ETRC Business Performance Index for the full year 2025.
The report reveals that European airport duty free and travel retail recorded total annual value sales of €10.13 billion (US$11.83 billion) last year, representing a +5.5% increase compared with 2024 – marking the highest value sales in the sector’s history.
Unit sales increased by +4.5% year-on-year, underlining sustained demand across the sector within a competitive travel environment.
At the same time, the Index highlights a divergence between retail performance and passenger traffic. Passenger numbers increased by +5.8% compared with 2024, outpacing sales growth. As a result, average spend per passenger softened slightly to €10.55 (US$12.32), representing a marginal decline of -0.3% year-on-year.
Across categories, the performance remained broadly positive. Tobacco and food recorded particularly strong results, each achieving double-digit increases. The spirits sub-category experienced a modest decline in both volume and value, with value sales decreasing by -0.7%.
ETRC President Nigel Keal commented: “The 2025 results underline the sector’s resilience, with record sales achieved despite a more complex environment.
“While spend per passenger has slightly softened, the industry remains well positioned to strengthen its performance and deliver sustainable growth in the years ahead. Fingers crossed, the Middle East situation is resolved as soon as possible.”
Image Credit: ETRC
ETRC President Nigel Keal (above) noted how the 2025 results underlined the sector’s resilience.
Developed for ETRC, the ETRC Index is compiled by Pi Insight based on data provided by participating travel retailers, with passenger data supplied by ForwardKeys. The full report is available exclusively to ETRC members.
Victoria’s Secret has officially opened its first full-format store at Auckland Airport’s international terminal, in partnership with Lagardère Travel Retail. The brand previously operated a smaller concept shop at the airport.
Located airside alongside Auckland Duty Free, the boutique is said to offer travellers an innovative design concept and a tailored portfolio edit that includes lingerie, sleepwear, accessories, swimwear, beauty and fragrance.
The selection includes popular gifting picks such as the newly updated Very Sexy Eau de Parfum and the Bombshell Eau de Parfum, alongside mists, body care, lip essentials, and sets across a range of price points.
To mark the opening, on the launch day (31 March) shoppers were offered an exclusive in-store fragrance engraving service, from 1pm-5pm. Travellers visiting during the first two weeks will also receive a 10% storewide discount, available through 14 April.
Victoria’s Secret elevates the Auckland experience
Auckland Airport Head of Retail Lucy Thomas commented: “We are proud to open this new store as part of our ambition to deliver a vibrant and contemporary airport experience at New Zealand’s gateway.
Image Credit: Lagardère Travel Retail
The airside boutique offers travellers a curated edit of the brand’s lingerie, sleepwear, accessories, swimwear, beauty products and fragrances.
“We encourage travellers to allow time to explore the airside offer. This is the first of many exciting openings, with further brands to be announced throughout the year as part of the ongoing transformation of our duty free and retail environment.”
Lagardère Travel Retail Global Chief Financial Officer & Regional COO Pacific Luc Mansion noted: “This opening reflects our strategy to elevate the travel retail experience through partnerships with leading global brands.
“Bringing Victoria’s Secret’s full-format concept to Auckland Airport demonstrates our ability to create premium, differentiated environments that resonate with international travellers and support our partners’ development in high-potential markets.”
Lagardère Travel Retail New Zealand CEO Cyril Letocart added: “Victoria’s Secret is one of the world’s most recognised fashion and beauty brands, and we are delighted to bring its unique offer to Auckland Airport. It is a perfect fit for travellers seeking to enhance their journey with a premium shopping experience.”
JFK T4 Retail Partners formally assumed operations of duty free at T4 on 1 April.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) and JFKIAT, the operator of Terminal 4 at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) have announced that a partnership led by ARI and International Shoppes has been selected to run the duty free and speciality retail concessions at T4.
The JFK T4 Retail Partners grouping brings together travel retail operator ARI and Queens-based duty-free and speciality retailer International Shoppes, as well as a group of local and small enterprise partners.
They assumed operations on 1 April, and are set to roll out a phased programme of store enhancements, curated brand introductions and experiential activations throughout 2026 and beyond.
The move is said to align with JFKIAT’s T4 North Star vision, which lays out the strategic plan for the terminal’s $1.5bn transformation to position it as ‘world class’.
Image Credit: JFK T4 Retail Partners
Through the partnership with JFK T4 Retail Partners, JFKIAT will introduce New York Duty Free at Terminal 4, a retail concept designed to reflects T4’s strong, New York sense of place.
“Creating a uniquely New York sense of place is a key component in the Port Authority’s transformation of JFK Airport into a world class global gateway,” said Port Authority Executive Director Kathryn Garcia.
“JFKIAT’s selection of JFK T4 Retail Partners to reimagine the duty free and specialty retail concessions will pair local businesses with global brands to create the travel experience passengers deserve.”
Indeed, the new concept is described as blending ‘premium brand partnerships’, ‘activation-led experiences’ and ‘clear value communication’, along with a ‘vibrant service culture, rooted in hospitality, innovation and pride’.
Passengers can expect exclusive product launches and access a curated selection of local finds.
“As JFK’s busiest terminal, a newly modernised and expanded Terminal 4 plays an important role in welcoming passengers from around the world to our region,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole.
“A best-in-class Terminal 4 will include an unparalleled retail experience that travellers expect to find when they come to our region.”
Added Roel Huinink, Chief Executive Officer of JFKIAT: “Our partnership with JFK T4 Retail Partners, LLC is the next significant step in our total transformation of T4’s commercial programme.
“As we continue to transform T4 into a world-class gateway, we are focused on strengthening every facet of T4’s New York identity while offering a best-in-class customer experience.
“I look forward to what we have in store for our passengers as we reimagine the future of the duty free and specialty retail experience at T4.”
Image Credit: JFK T4 Retail Partners
A phased programme of store enhancements, curated brand introductions and experiential activations are set to roll out throughout 2026 and beyond.
ARI operates duty-free and duty-paid travel retail outlets across 12 countries globally, while International Shoppes is a leading force in the US duty free market, having introduced the nation’s first and duty-free cash-and-carry system in 1998.
“This award reflects the strength of our long-standing relationships at JFK and the confidence placed in our joint vision for the future of travel retail,” said Matthew Greenbaum, Co-CEO, International Shoppes.
“Terminal 4 is a vibrant, fast-moving international terminal, and we are excited to introduce a refreshed duty free experience that resonates with travelers from around the world while celebrating the spirit of New York.”
Commented Ray Hernan, CEO, ARI: “We are delighted to partner with International Shoppes on this important award at JFK Terminal 4.
“JFK is one of the world’s most iconic aviation hubs, and Terminal 4 represents a significant opportunity to bring our customer-first philosophy and activation-led retail model to life in the United States.
“Together, we look forward to delivering a dynamic and distinctly New York experience that reflects the ambition of the airport and the expectations of today’s global traveler, staying true to our commitment to deliver ‘Joy On Your Way’ at every step of the journey.”
“Being awarded the Terminal 4 duty free programme is both an honour and a responsibility we take very seriously,” said Scott Halpern, Co-CEO, International Shoppes.
“As a New York-rooted business with decades of history at JFK, we are deeply committed to continuing to raise the bar for travel retail at this airport. Partnering with ARI allows us to combine global expertise with local knowledge, ensuring Terminal 4 delivers an experience worthy of this extraordinary city.”
The collaboration builds on JFKIAT’s commitment to strengthening T4’s New York City identity through partnerships with local businesses that characterise the city.
As a case in point, last year, JFKIAT announced its partnership with HMSHost to bring participation of seven local small businesses as joint-venture partners into the operations of concessions at the terminal, bringing local food, beverage and retail experiences with New York City-centric branding and ambience to the commercial landscape.
Through this newly announced partnership with JFK T4 Retail Partners, JFKIAT will introduce New York Duty Free at Terminal 4, a retail concept designed to reflect T4’s New York sense of place, with nods to the city’s global stature, while celebrating local craftsmanship.
Participating business partners include:
Byrd Retail Group, bringing decades of experience at JFK Airport and working with the Queens community to support the participation of local concession businesses;
Crescent Consulting, a local, Queens firm that has supported numerous public infrastructure, transportation, and economic development projects throughout the state – including those at JFK Airport – and supporting initiatives that connect local businesses to those projects;
CSQ Enterprises, an organisation with deep roots in the airport industry and a proven commitment to supporting communities across Queens;
M&R Concessions, an experienced local business with extensive operations at JFK Airport;
Neir’s Tavern, a Queens-based business and one of the oldest operating taverns in the US, with a storied local legacy and a strong commitment to civic leadership;
Onsite Retailers, a division of Olympic Supply, Inc., that brings decades of airport concession knowledge and a strong presence in Queens and the larger New York City business community; and
Ben Crump Enterprises (BCE), a company founded by renowned civil rights attorney Ben Crump to advance economic opportunity, promote entrepreneurship, and support underserved communities.
This partnership comes as JFKIAT celebrates 25 years of operating T4. As the T4 North Star vision forward, passengers can expect a ‘higher degree of premiumisation, a bigger focus on hospitality, more engagement and curated offerings’.
Steve Johnson, President and CEO, North America, Avolta.
Avolta has been awarded a new 15-year food & beverage (F&B) contract at Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) in Florida, the US, further expanding its F&B presence at the airport with a 500 sqm food hall.
The food hall will include four F&B outlets, with the line-up blending local Northeast Florida concepts with select national brands.
“Jacksonville Aviation Authority has transformed the passenger experience at JAX in recent years, and we are proud to be a part of that journey,” said Steve Johnson, President and CEO, North America, Avolta.
“This new contract is a strong example of local partnership to deliver great dining experiences that reflect the warm, welcoming spirit of Jacksonville and make each journey memorable.”
The travel retail powerhouse says the win reflects its strategy of ‘adapting food & beverage concepts to each airport’s passenger profile and commercial objectives, while partnering with local operators to bring a stronger “sense of place” into the terminal’.
“The dining concepts in the Oak & Ocean Food Hall will offer our travellers a mixture of the national food chains they know and love with some local favourites from the Northeast Florida region,” added JAA CEO Mark VanLoh.
“These dining options combined with a beautiful new concourse offer a welcoming atmosphere to passengers once they pass through security.
Left: Sip at San Francisco International Airport. Right: Carlos Bernal, Chair of the Airport Restaurant & Retail Association (ARRA) Board of Directors and Areas USA CEO.
Restaurants and retailers in the US are underscoring the increasingly valuable role they play in shaping the airport passenger experience, says ARRA Chair Carlos Bernal. He tells TRBusiness about the key dynamics impacting the business landscape and why “the traditional airport concession model has to evolve”.
Inflationary costs, pricing pressures and the drive for localisation are highlighting how the Minimum Annual Guarantee (MAG) model needs a revisit, according to Carlos Bernal, Chair of the Airport Restaurant & Retail Association (ARRA) Board of Directors and Areas USA CEO – and a key factor playing into this is dining outlets and shops demonstrating their value as amenities that enhance the overall airport experience for travellers.
Speaking to TRBusiness via video call, Bernal brought us up to date on the health of the airport restaurant and retail business in the country, relaying: “Compared to 2020/2021 when we were in the depths of Covid, we have come a long way. Travel is back and the industry is growing, although not all airports are created equal – so even though we’re back, I wouldn’t say it’s broad based.”
While he describes concession revenue across the ARRA membership pool as generally “pretty flat”, spend per passenger (SPP) is “holding quite well”, he affirmed.
“The industry is changing in terms of food & beverage versus retail, so that has been one of the key points for us in our business,” Bernal explained. “And of course we have inflationary pricing that goes up so although revenue is flat to slightly down, spend is up due to a convergence of a bunch of different factors.”
He continued: “So I think the trends of the industry are overall positive in spite of the traffic and geopolitics – those are not structural things, necessarily. In essence, 2025 was somewhat a bumpy year although we have some optimism going into 2026 for sure.”
Labour and pricing challenges
Bernal was elected Chair of ARRA’s Board of Directors for 2026 and 2027 in February, succeeding Bryan Loden of Avolta’s HMSHost (who continues to serve as Immediate Past Chair). His more than two decades’ experience in airport concessions and travel retail makes him ideally placed to recognise key challenges and advocate for solutions to smooth the way forward. Right now, the rising cost of labour is the “number one” difficulty on the radar.
Image Credit: Areas USA
Novecientos Grados by Tony Hawk at San Francisco International Airport.
“Here in the US, we’ve seen extraordinary wage increases coming out of Covid, and labour has quickly become the number one concern for airport concessionaires. In many cities, wage ordinances are being introduced that specifically impact concessionaires, airlines and hotels. We absolutely support the goal of ensuring employees earn a fair, living wage, but these rising labour costs fundamentally change the economics of operating in an airport environment.
“As a result, the traditional airport concession model has to evolve. You can’t continue to rely on the same framework that existed 30 years ago, particularly with structures like MAGs, because in today’s cost environment, that approach simply isn’t sustainable.”
Bernal says the MAG model hasn’t changed for the “vast majority” (approx. 90%) of concessions contracts, despite the rising cost of labour and construction, which he relayed is about 20-30% higher than before the pandemic.
Add to that the fact that raising prices of menu items and products to keep pace is no simple task. US airport retailers and restaurateurs often follow a ‘street pricing’ policy, meaning prices are typically capped at 10-15% above local market prices to prevent extreme markups.
“To get a pricing change approved in a US airport, it can take a whole team just to manage the process. If you want to raise the price of something as simple as a burger, you have to go out into the local market, find five or six comparable burgers, document the prices, and then bring that back to the airport to justify even a small increase, sometimes as little as 25 cents. It ends up taking a surprising amount of time and manpower just to make a minor pricing adjustment. Concessionaires are really the only businesses in the airport environment that operate under these types of pricing restrictions. Airlines, hotels, rental cars and parking operators all have the ability to adjust their pricing based on market conditions.
“In reality, the natural regulator should be the marketplace within the terminal itself. With multiple operators and brands competing for the same traveller, no one is going to set prices at a level that discourages customers from buying. There needs to be a level of trust in the system that concessionaires will act responsibly and ultimately do the right thing for the customer.”
With regards to build costs, Bernal suggests that airports consider creating a more plug-and-go infrastructure within commercial areas that would help ease initial investment pressures on tenants.
“When airports are building a new terminal, one question is whether they could take on more of the core infrastructure upfront so tenants can focus on the actual fit-out of their space. Instead of worrying about where the electrical connections are, roof penetrations, sewer lines, or grease traps will go, concessionaires could concentrate on building out the concept and the customer experience. So it raises the question as to why should the concessionaire be responsible for making the initial infrastructure investment in a space that will likely be reused and recycled for another 30 years?”
Image Credit: Areas USA
Urth Café & Bar at LAX.
America’s next top model
Circling back from all of that is the much-talked-about push to revamp the MAG model. Bernal makes a strong case for it: “I think the model needs to be revisited, quite frankly. We have to ask ourselves, ‘Are concessionaires simply rent payers there to maximise economic return for the airport, or are we part of the amenity that shapes the passenger experience?’ If you view it as an amenity, then the focus shifts to creating a sense of place, making the airport a front door and a window into the local community. That’s a very different approach from simply trying to drive the highest rents possible to generate maximum income.”
It’s the “biggest challenge out there”, he underscored, adding on the rationale for maximising rent income: “For US airports, retail and F&B revenue, not counting duty-free, is about 3-4% of their overall non-aeronautical revenue picture so it’s not a material number for airports.”
In favour of being seen more as amenities, he points to the new $3.8 billion Terminal 1 at San Diego International Airport (SAN) as a case in point, which is brimming with hyper-local concepts.
“Hyper-local is what Areas USA delivered, and the other companies involved – they all did a phenomenal job,” he said. “What the airport did differently was they didn’t tell companies what to bid in rent. Instead, they asked prospective tenants to propose the rent that would actually allow them to bring their projects to life. That was a first for us. Having that flexibility meant we could focus on creating the best possible local dining experience. We submitted what we felt was a fair bid that reflected that approach and allowed us to invest in the concept, and we were fortunate enough to win. In the end, it meant we could deliver the experience we promised for passengers. I’d like to think we’ll start seeing more airports take that kind of approach.”
World Cup fever
Looking ahead, the 2026 FIFA World Cup taking place from 11 June to 19 July, with games played across 16 host cities in Canada, Mexico and the US, is set to give international tourism a kick. Plus, there’s a roster of exciting new developments in the pipeline.
Image Credit: Areas USA
The Spot – a local concept offering a casual full-service restaurant service at William P. Hobby Airport in Houston.
“We have so much infrastructure and construction happening at US airports, which gives a boost to the whole economy,” he said. “JFK’s new terminals, the new Airside D terminal coming online at Tampa International Airport, further expansion at SAN, the new concourse and redevelopment of terminals at Los Angeles International Airport ahead of the 2028 Olympics and the new Terminal F at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport – and those are just the ones off the top of my head. This is going to be happening for the next few years so that’s going to help.”
Add to that the easing of supply chain disruptions for US airlines and the future is looking bright.
“We are all looking for a unique, different and interesting experience to have over an hour-and-a-half at the airport,” summarised Bernal. “I don’t want to be sitting at the gate hold. I want to be sitting sown somewhere having a nice cocktail, something to eat, a glass of wine. In retail, travellers want shops that are very well curated with local products – you have to offer something that isn’t readily available, otherwise shoppers can just buy online. For me, I think that’s where it’s going. Certainly, convenience retail is growing, in terms of travel essentials – and they have just as much F&B now as they do books, magazines and travel essentials so I think that’s another growth area.”
Ultimately, he believes it’s a “tremendous time” for local and regional level restaurant companies and retailers to make inroads into airports, with the push for localisation and companies like Areas, which is the largest privately held travel hospitality company in the US (following the acquisition of Delaware North’s Travel Hospitality Services in 2025).
“It’s a tough industry and we have to work together,” he said. “It takes the policymakers and municipalities to enhance policies that make sense and don’t create more burdens than opportunities for us. For all of us to work together in the spirit of partnership – brands, airports, ARRA and unions – and give everyone a seat at the table, we’ll be able to come up with some creative approaches, all with a goal to provide the best passenger experience we possibly can.”
Clara Susset: “Some 86% of travellers who currently visit only retail say they would be more likely to also visit F&B if the two were better connected or more visible.”
India is one of the few bright spots for the global travel retail channel in terms of the country’s increasing passenger traffic (5-7% in FY206, year-on-year). At the APTRA India conference last week, both travel retail research agency m1nd-set and global drinks analyst IWSR offered further specific examples of the duty-free opportunities.
M1nd-set’s passenger survey of Indian travellers indicated that travel retailers were missing out on revenue by not merging their retail and dining offers more. Only 26% of those travellers visit both retail and F&B during the same airport journey, yet these travellers – who spend nearly two hours airside and feel no time pressure – “are a highly convertible audience”, said Clara Susset, m1nd-set’s COO.
Image Credit: m1nd-set
Indians have a preference for mixed retail.
The agency argues that better layouts and proximity are the key drivers of dual visits – and the primary barrier when absent. Susset said: “Some 86% of travellers who currently visit only retail say they would be more likely to also visit F&B if the two were better connected or more visible. Many travellers stay close to the gate or follow the most direct route, engaging only with what appears in their path.”
M1nd-set noted that Indian travellers show a particularly strong preference for mixed layouts, making integrated commercial design a strategic priority. Hybrid concepts are therefore a potential bridge to higher revenue, with chocolate, fashion or local products likely to appeal the most. “Integrating F&B into the retail environment (and vice-versa) creates a seamless reason to engage with both categories in one place,” suggested Susset.
The alcohol effect
While alcohol has been on a generally downward trajectory in domestic and duty-free channels, India is a major market exception. In her presentation at the APTRA Conference, IWSR’s Charlotte Reid said that “India was rewriting the global beverage alcohol story”.
Image Credit: IWSR
Segment performance in the Indian spirits market.
Data from the analyst showed the market to be a stand-out performer for absolute volume growth in international spirits, well ahead of the number two country, the Philippines, in 2025. “The global travel retail (GTR) channel delivered exceptional growth to the category,” said Reid, referring to last year.
Moreover, compared to key drinks markets globally, India is seeing the best growth in the premium and super-premium-and-above segments, well above the average and just the segments that duty-free operators prefer to focus on. And while Indians are well known for their love of whisky, consumers are also opting for rum, vodka, brandy and wine, particularly younger generations like Millennials and Gen Z, creating an opportunity to diversify the offer in the future.
The new partnership aims to evolve traditional airport lounge operations.
Saudi hospitality and catering company Catrion has partnered with Airport Dimensions to enhance airport hospitality services across Saudi Arabia.
The collaboration also supports the continued growth of Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector, in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative.
Through this new partnership, Catrion aims to go beyond traditional lounge operations by introducing globally proven hospitality concepts, digital solutions, and service offerings from leading international airports.
The objective is to deliver more integrated, scalable and commercially compelling solutions for airlines, airports and travel partners, strengthening Catrion’s competitiveness in delivering large-scale aviation and hospitality projects.
Both companies will strive to deliver integrated hospitality solutions that elevate the passenger journey, while unlocking new commercial opportunities.
A key component of the partnership is Airport Dimensions’ Connecta platform, designed to deliver a seamless, personalised and data-driven experience – both in the lounge and across the entire passenger journey.
Image Credit: Airport Dimensions
Pictured left to right: Catrion EVP Inflight Catering Dr Rashed Alarfaj; Catrion CEO Mohammed Al Shuhail; and Airport Dimensions VP of Business Development, Digital Products Jeff Livney.
By combining traveller touchpoints and leveraging real-time insights, Connecta improves operational performance and drives more meaningful customer engagement, unifying the travel experience and commercial offerings across the airport terminal and supporting the entire day-of-travel.
Catrion CEO Mohammed Al Shuhail commented: “This partnership reflects Catrion’s ongoing evolution as a key enabler of Saudi Arabia’s aviation ecosystem. By combining our 40 years of expertise in hospitality with the exceptional capabilities of Airport Dimensions, we are redefining passenger experience standards while supporting the ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030.”
Airport Dimensions CEO Mignon Buckingham noted: “Airport Dimensions brings deep global expertise in airport experiences that deliver measurable value. Our digital platform Connecta is a powerful tool for airports and operators in enabling better airport experiences by reducing friction and leveraging data.
“In partnership with Catrion, we see a clear opportunity to combine our capabilities to enhance passenger journeys in Saudi Arabia through more innovative, data-led solutions that respond to the needs of today’s traveller.”
Aena has launched a tender for its “Sin Barreras” (Barrier-Free) Assistance Service for People with Reduced Mobility (PRM) across 20 airports in its network.
The total estimated contract value is €404.3m (US$463.6m). The contracts will run for an initial period of three years, with the option of two additional one-year extensions.
The tender has been structured into five lots, led by Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (Lot 1). Lot 2 includes Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat, together with Reus, Girona-Costa Brava, Bilbao, Santiago-Rosalía de Castro and Asturias airports.
The third Lot covers Málaga-Costa del Sol, Seville, Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández and Valencia airports. The fourth includes Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza and Menorca airports, while the fifth encompasses Gran Canaria, Tenerife South, César Manrique-Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Tenerife North-Ciudad de La Laguna and La Palma airports.
Aena will implement a competitive dialogue procedure for the tender, with the aim of strengthening participation and actively engaging potential bidders in shaping the final service model.
Interested parties will have 20 calendar days from publication of the tender documentation in the Official Journal of the European Union to submit applications. A 20-day period will then be granted for the submission of initial proposals.
Key criteria will include quality performance indicators, technological renewal and development of PRM equipment, as well as service improvement plans and operational procedures. Once the dialogue phase concludes, participants will have 15 calendar days to submit their final bids.
The free PRM Barrier-Free service is currently the highest-rated service for Aena, achieving a passenger satisfaction score of 4.94 out of 5. In 2025, Aena assisted more than 2.68 million passengers with reduced mobility across its airport network. Aena continues to collaborate with the Spanish Committee of Representatives of People with Disabilities to ensure that its provision meets passenger needs.
Aena, through its subsidiary Aena Desarrollo Internacional, has been awarded the contract for the concessionaire of Galeão International Airport, the main airport in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The contract was awarded following a public auction held on the B3 – São Paulo Stock Exchange.
Aena emerged as the successful bidder in the assisted sale process for 100% of the airport concessionaire, with a bid worth BRL 2.900 million (approximately EUR 483 million).
Of the total amount of the transaction, part will be paid out of Aena’s own funds, says the Spanish airport operator, while the remainder will be financed through a loan from a local financial institution, without recourse to the parent company. The concession runs until May 2039.
The purchase of the concessionaire’s shares is subject to the formalisation of the sale and purchase agreement with the current shareholders, once regulatory approvals and the other conditions set out in the terms of reference for the sale process have been met.
The transfer will take place once all these conditions have been met, and is expected to be completed in the second half of 2026.
“Like all of Aena’s operations, this one strictly adheres to the fundamental principle of creating value for its shareholders,” said Chairman and CEO of Aena, Maurici Lucena.
“Aena Brasil is, moreover, a clear example of Aena’s ability to generate value-adding synergies, as this brings the total number of airports successfully operating as part of the network to 18, thereby contributing to the development of air transport in the country.”
Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International Airport is Brazil’s third-busiest airport in terms of passenger volume, with 17.8 million passengers in 2025, of whom 5.7 million were international. This makes it the country’s second-largest air gateway, behind only Guarulhos.
The current infrastructure has sufficient capacity to handle the expected traffic for the remainder of the concession period, and there is no contractual obligation to make further capital expenditure.
With this transaction, Aena has established itself as the operator of the largest network of concessioned airports in Brazil. Indeed, under the Aena Brasil brand, the Spanish airport operator has been fully managing six airports in the north-east of the country since 2020 and a further eleven in the states of São Paulo, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais and Pará since 2022.
Among Aena Brasil’s most significant assets are Congonhas Airport in São Paulo – the country’s second largest – and Recife Airport in the Northeast.
With the addition of Rio de Janeiro – Galeão International Airport, Aena Brasil now manages 18 airports in Brazil, handling over 62 million passengers.
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