Global airport construction and investment report mid-2024 – Part 2 – Americas, Middle East & Africa

This second part of a biennial inspection of infrastructure and investment projects at existing and new airports concludes with an examination of the Americas, the Middle East and Africa. The Asia Pacific and European regions were investigated in Part 1.

Although such activity has reduced everywhere, investment in existing North American airports remains solid, especially at the major gateway/hubs, while at a lower level in the US it is supported by acts passed by the House and Congress since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Investment in new airports throughout the continent remains painfully low.

In Latin America and the Caribbean there is much activity centred on Brazil, both for existing airports and new ones - although some of the new airport projects have dragged on, and have entered the arena of 'speculative'.

The Middle East bears witness to its preference for giant airport projects, which in themselves are testimony to its role as the world's intercontinental hub. Two projects in the UAE and Saudi Arabia weigh in at over USD60 billion between them.

There are fewer new airport projects in the region, those that exist being in Iran and Iraq, but more will be required in Saudi Arabia.

Finally, in Africa, and in the way of the continent, there are numerous speculative projects for large new terminals and new airports, some of which may never go ahead.