Philippines – Jun 30/18 – Mactan Cebu’s Stunning New Terminal Set to Open
The GMR/Megawide-led Terminal 2 project at Mactan-Cebu Int’l Airport, which broke ground in 2016, is set for official opening on July 1. Recognized as a textbook example of efficient project management and delivery, the new terminal’s stunningly innovative design has an annual design capacity of 8m international passengers.
Bulgaria – Jun 29/18 – Sofia Airport Concession Process Rekindled by Bulgarian Parliament
The on-again-off-again concession plans for Bulgaria’s Sofia Airport is back on, following on the government’s recent decision to re-launch a proposal call process. In 2016 an international tender was initiated—and later shelved—for a 35-year concession of the airport with an anticipated USD325m one-time upfront payment. The socialist opposition is rallying to scuttle the plan.
United Kingdom – Jun 27/18 – Heathrow’s Illusive Third Runway is One Step Closer to Reality
After decades of rancor and seemingly endless debate, UK’s parliament united—across the political spectrum—to support an Airports National Policy Statement clearing the way for Heathrow to advance its long-held plan for a third runway. The parliamentary approval paves the way for development consent which could see construction commencing by 2021.
Namibia – Jun 24/18 – Acrimony & Accusations Snarl Namibian Airport Development Projects
Amid acrimony, accusations and counter-claims between competing Chinese and Turkish bidders, the Ondangwa Airport upgrade project finds itself mired in a court challenge over purported collusion between a senior project executive and a Chinese bidder. The accused Chinese company has, in turn, filed a counter-claim alleging a Turkish company bribed the new airport board. The controversy has also reportedly led to termination of the tender for development of Hosea Kutako Airport.
United States – Jun 28/18 – St. Louis Airport Clears Important Hurdle in Privatization Quest
Despite previous objections from key decision-makers including Mayor Krewson, an advisory contract has been approved by the City of St. Louis for a group of consultants to further explore the St. Louis Airport privatization initiative. In related news, Ferrovial has reportedly engaged former St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay as an advisor to support its pursuit for the project.
Kenya – Jun 15/18 – Kenya Air Poised to Assume Operation & Management of Nairobi Airport
Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta Int’l Airport (NJKIA) appears set to be handed over to Kenya Airways for management and operation under a 30-year concession contract through a separate holding company. The reported deal provides for all of NJKIA’s personnel to be transferred from the Kenya Airports Authority to the new holding company.
Costa Rica – Jun 10/18 – CCR Exercises First Refusal Right to Assume Control of SJO Concession
On the heels of VINCI’s unexpected move back in April to acquire the Airports Worldwide portfolio, including Costa Rica’s Juan Santamaría Airport (SJO), Brazilian infrastructure group CCR has exercised first refusal rights on the SJO concession company Aeris, increasing its stake from 49% to a controlling interest of 97.15%, at a cost of USD60m.
Chile – Jun 07/18 – Santiago’s Terminal Expansion Project Delayed as New Gov’t Vows to Accelerate Design Approvals
The ongoing USD650m expansion of Santiago’s Arturo Merino Benítez airport is facing construction delays. Consorcio Nuevo Pudahuel, the successful bidder for the new concession awarded in 2015, recently requested a deadline extension, citing delays in design approvals from country’s public works ministry as a key factor hindering progress of the works. Chile’s new government, which took office in March, has vowed to accelerate the design review and approval process.
India – Jun 04/18 – Kerala’s New Greenfield Airport Ready for Take-off
The new greenfield airport in Kerala is set to commence commercial operations in September, based on the latest project schedule. Incorporating green energy and the latest technology into its design, the new international facility, located roughly 20 km from Kannur, has been set up under a Public-Private Partnership, Build-Own-Operate framework.
Brazil – Jun 02/18 – Brazil Launches the Latest Round of Airport Concessions
Following an extended hiatus, Brazil has launched public hearings for the concession of three airport bundles—the Southwest, Northeast and Central-west blocks—including Recife and twelve other smaller airports. The three bundles, which handle roughly 20m per year in total, are being offered under a 30-year concession in a so-called “steak-and-bone” grouping.