South America Airport Infrastructure Market Outlook, 2030

Airport infrastructure in South America covers airside assets runways, taxiways, aprons and landside assets passenger terminals, maintenance hangars, air traffic control towers, cargo facilities, and road/rail access. The scope usually includes terminal buildings, pavements, lighting and navigation aids, baggage systems, and utilities it often excludes airline MRO interiors and off-airport hotels. Projects split into greenfield builds (e.g., Quito’s out-of-city relocation) and brownfield upgrades of existing hubs. Over the past 5–10 years, performance improved with steady recovery in traffic and a clear pivot to concession/PPP models. Brazil advanced multiple concession rounds, moving groups of airports to private operators under ANAC rules, while planning a next stage with individual auctions the 7th round grouped 15 airports and formal documents sit with ANAC and the Ministry of Ports and Airports. Regionally, modernisation arrived in phases new international terminals (Santiago T2 in 2022) followed by domestic expansions like Santiago’s T1-A, which added gates and capacity and continues staged openings through 2025, under the MOP concession framework. Regulatory alignment ties to ICAO standards and IATA practices, with national bodies such as Brazil’s ANAC, Chile’s DGAC under MOP concessions, Colombia’s Aerocivil, and Peru’s DGAC setting technical and safety rules. Passenger and cargo trends show Bogotá’s El Dorado as the region’s top hub, leading in passengers and cargo according to ACI-LAC’s 2024 ranking update. Sustainability entered early through Airport Carbon Accreditation and LEED. El Dorado became Latin America’s first Level 4 “Transformation” airport in 2023 and also achieved LEED Platinum under LEED v4.1 O+M, with on-site solar and advanced waste diversion. Noise and emissions controls now feature in design briefs, while several terminals pursue green-building ratings. Investment flows come from national budgets, PPP concessions, and private operators recent, visible announcements include Ezeiza’s new departures terminal in 2023 and Lima’s full new terminal opening in 2025 under the LAP concession.

According to the research report, ""South America Airport Infrastructure Market Outlook, 2030,"" published by Bonafide Research, the South America Airport Infrastructure market is anticipated to add to more than USD 3.76 Billion by 2025–30. Traffic metrics frame planning ACI-LAC reported a 6.24% regional passenger rise in the first half of 2025, with Brazil’s airports up 9.3% in H1 and cargo volumes for LAC up 2.2% context that guides apron expansions, gate additions, and terminal remodelling. Technology adoption is visible at the curb, checkpoint, and gate Ezeiza’s new terminal deploys seamless-journey biometrics and modern processing platforms Bogotá’s BIOMIG e-gates support faster border control Lima’s new Jorge Chávez terminal adds a full greenfield terminal campus with updated systems. Operators use digital twins and predictive maintenance within long-term concessions VINCI/Nuevo Pudahuel details staged works at Santiago’s T1-A and integrated connections between domestic and international terminals. Energy and building upgrades track sustainability goals through Airport Carbon Accreditation El Dorado’s Level 4 status and LEED Platinum O+M show measurable carbon cuts, LED retrofits, HVAC efficiency, and on-site photovoltaics. Key projects Ezeiza’s departures terminal (inaugurated April 2023) Santiago’s T1 remodelling and new T1-A Lima’s new terminal in operation from 2025. (Competitive dynamics span construction majors and airport operators under PPPs across Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru, and Argentina, with ANAC-led concessions in Brazil shaping large multi-airport packages. Regional insights Chile prioritises terminal capacity at SCL Peru concentrates activity at LIM Colombia emphasises Bogotá’s hub role Argentina upgrades Ezeiza. Supply chains centre on concrete, asphalt, steel, jet fuel hydrant systems, baggage and screening equipment procured via concessionaires’ vendor networks staged procurement aligns with gate and pier openings at SCL. Risk factors include project delays and renegotiations in concessions (e.g., Santiago’s arbitration history with MOP), land acquisition and permitting hurdles, macroeconomic volatility, and pandemic-era disruptions that operators addressed through phased delivery.

Market Drivers

• Expanding Airport Modernization and Refurbishment ProjectsSouth American nations such as Brazil, Chile, and Argentina are undertaking extensive modernization projects upgrading terminals, baggage systems, and apron facilities to meet rising passenger and cargo demand. These upgrades, including automated conveyors and RFID baggage handling, enhance both capacity and efficiency, propelling infrastructure development across the region.
• Strong Growth in Passenger and Cargo TrafficPassenger numbers in Latin America and the Caribbean surged by around 25% from 2010 to 2017, creating pressure for more capacity. Airports have responded with significant expansions in runways, terminals, and aprons to keep pace with demand. Continued air traffic growth underpins ongoing infrastructure investments and upgrades.

Market Challenges

• Infrastructure Constraints at Regional AirportsWhile major hubs are advancing, smaller and regional airports struggle with outdated infrastructure, budget limitations, space constraints, and shortages of qualified staff. These challenges hinder adoption of modern systems such as advanced baggage handling and delay operational improvements, impacting service quality and regional connectivity.
• Urban Encroachment and Expansion Space LimitsMany South American airports operate within cities that have grown over time, limiting space for greenfield or even brownfield expansion. Urban sprawl and scarcity of developable land constrain expansion, making it difficult to meet future demand without significant planning and negotiation.

Market Trends

• Rapid Adoption of Technology & Smart Airport SolutionsTechnological modernization is accelerating airports in the region plan to increase tech investment by 17.3% in the coming year. Focus areas include cloud migration, enhanced passenger experience, data analytics, biometrics, and improved airline data exchange paving the way for real-time operations and smoother journeys.
• Smart Baggage Handling & Eco-Friendly SolutionsGrowth in smart airport systems is evident, particularly in baggage processing. South American airports are deploying automated conveyors, RFID tracking, and energy-efficient designs. Green solutions such as electric conveyors and recyclable materials are increasingly used to reduce environmental impact while improving operations.

Airside operations including runways, taxiways, aprons, lighting, navigation systems, refueling, drainage, snow/ice control, and perimeter systems dominate South America’s airport infrastructure because they support every aircraft movement and face relentless demand-driven investment and modernization across diverse climatic and traffic conditions.

Airside infrastructure is the heartbeat of airport operations, where every landing, takeoff, and turnaround occurs. In South America, airports face a wide range of challenges from tropical downpours to desert dust, mountainous terrain, and high-altitude thin air. These varied conditions accelerate wear on runways and aprons and demand robust drainage, lighting, and navigation systems. Airports like Santiago’s Arturo Merino Benítez have undergone massive airside redevelopment, including apron redesigns, airside roads, and modern lighting to improve safety and minimize ground damage around aircraft. Airport operators follow ICAO and IATA guidelines to avoid intersections between taxiways and ground support vehicle lanes, and incorporate fixed ground support installations to reduce ramp congestion and risk. Large-scale expansions have taken place at Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport, where a new runway, control tower, and terminal upgrade were undertaken, alongside improved airside pavement and support systems. In Uruguay, the redeveloped Salto airport resurfaced runways, installed LED and PAPI lighting, and rebuilt perimeter and fire-service infrastructure, all while preserving operational capability. A pipeline of 56 infrastructure projects across Latin America and the Caribbean (including both existing and new airports) shows that most focus on airside enhancements like second runways or cargo aprons, with the largest investments concentrated at hubs like Rio de Janeiro’s Galeão and Campinas Viracopos. These operate under continuous pressure from rising traffic, extreme weather, and increasing operational complexity. Airside systems must remain safe and efficient at all times, and because they underpin aircraft movement, they absorb the bulk of infrastructure investment and evolve faster than other airport domains.

Brownfield projects lead South America’s infrastructure market because most airports are constructed within constrained urban boundaries, requiring upgrades, expansions, and modernization within existing operations rather than starting anew.

In South America, most major airports serve large cities already surrounded by dense urban or suburban development, making greenfield options challenging. As a result, airport operators have focused extensively on brownfield improvements that enhance capacity while keeping operations running. The expansion of Lima’s Jorge Chávez International saw a new terminal, runway, and access road built adjacent to existing facilities, serving millions more passengers. José María Córdova International near Medellín added space for more gates, a revamped terminal, and extended cargo facilities all integrated into the live airport layout. In Colombia, the San Andrés Gustavo Rojas Pinilla Airport modernization includes a brand new passenger terminal, cargo terminal, boarding bridges, and emergency service buildings all built atop existing infrastructure through a concession model. Even in Uruguay, Salto’s airport received runway resurfacing, LED lighting, a new terminal, and upgraded fire and security systems all delivered as upgrades, not new builds. Regional data shows that of 56 infrastructure projects across Latin America and the Caribbean, the majority target existing airports. It reflects an approach rooted in cost-efficiency, continuity of service, and urban land constraints that make greenfield development impractical. Doing brownfield work also allows for phased implementation capacity can be improved incrementally, using methodologies and technologies like building information modelling while avoiding full operational disruption. The complexity of integrating multi-disciplinary changes to existing structures is well demonstrated in projects like Belo Horizonte’s terminal renovation, where old concrete needed reinforcement, and new utility shafts, sustainability systems, and clear staging allowed operations to continue unimpeded.

Domestic airports grow fastest in South America because they react swiftly to rising regional travel demand especially from low-cost carriers and benefit from government support and more straightforward, flexible infrastructure upgrades.

Domestic air travel is especially significant in South America due to vast geographic areas, mountain ranges, remote rural zones, and archipelagos. Low-cost carriers have dramatically expanded domestic services, increasing routes and frequency. IATA notes that low-cost carriers account for over 40% of passenger traffic in the region, and domestic flights represented nearly 70% of total traffic in Brazil and Mexico in 2023. This surge in domestic travel encouraged rapid airport enhancements airports added gates, aprons, and improved passenger facilities to support new frequencies. Trichy saw passenger numbers rise sharply though in India; but similar trends occur regionally. In South America, Peru’s Arequipa airport (Rodríguez Ballón) received US$26 million in modernization funding to expand its terminal and grow capacity, specifically to support domestic traffic and new routes to Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile. Gobierno de Colombia is modernizing domestic airports like Gustavo Rojas Pinilla in San Andrés with a new terminal, cargo facilities, and fire services to serve expected 2.8 million domestic and regional passengers. These projects are well-structured, often financed as part of government schemes or concessions, and incur fewer regulatory hurdles and less logistical complexity than upgrades at large international hubs. Their smaller scale means upgrades can be completed quickly. Meanwhile, domestic route growth remains a focus of economic recovery strategies, tourism promotion, and regional equity, meaning domestic airport upgrades often get accelerated funding and support.

Large airports dominate South America’s infrastructure market because they handle the majority of traffic, underpin international and economic connectivity, and attract the highest volume of simultaneous upgrades across terminals, runways, and support systems.

South America’s largest airports such as Lima’s Jorge Chávez, Rio de Janeiro’s Galeão, and Medellín’s José María Córdova support tens of millions of passengers annually and serve as primary nodes in national and international networks. Their operational complexity and scale require continuous, multifaceted infrastructure investment. Jorge Chávez completed a massive new terminal, runway, and access road to accommodate throughput pressures, reinforcing its status as Lima’s international gateway. Galeão is undergoing a US $1.4 billion expansion project to upgrade cargo and runways, addressing congestion while keeping services active; this ranks among the region’s highest-value airport works. José María Córdova’s expansion added domestic and international gates, reshaped the passenger terminal, and scaled the cargo terminal maintaining their live airport operations during execution. Large airports account for infrastructure budgets worth billions across South America and the Caribbean, spotlighted by 56 projects with total values in the billions region-wide. The scale and national importance of these hubs make them top priorities for governments, airport operators, and airline alliances. Upgrades often span multiple dimensions airside, landside, terminals, logistics, and connectivity requiring complex engineering, phased plans, and interim operations. Environmental considerations, including noise reduction measures and sustainable energy use, are increasingly embedded in expansion plans. The continual modernization ensures these large airports remain competitive on a global scale while supporting the region’s growing passenger and cargo demand.

Brazil leads South America’s airport infrastructure development due to its vast national airport network and the government’s most ambitious modernization program in the region, focusing on both major hubs and remote connectivity.

Brazil possesses one of the largest civilian aviation footprints globally, ranking second only after the United States in the total number of airports, with thousands of paved and unpaved airstrips spread across its vast territory. São Paulo’s Guarulhos International Airport is the busiest gateway in the Southern Hemisphere, managing over forty million passengers annually and earning global recognition for punctuality and service reliability. Such scale already sets Brazil apart. The government recently launched the most sweeping airport infrastructure initiative in its history, targeting upgrades across 130 facilities over the next five years. The strategy includes renovating regional airports to bolster connectivity, building approximately twenty new airports such as the planned Olímpia International Airport near northern São Paulo and modernizing eighty more under public-private concession models. These efforts not only enhance key urban hubs like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro with improved terminals, security systems, and passenger services, but also integrate underserved regions into the national transportation network. Moreover, this program responds to infrastructure gaps exposed during the pandemic, particularly in remote Amazon areas, by planning at least ten new airfields focused on emergency access and community service. Parallel to physical upgrades, Brazil is advancing technology and sustainability; pilot biometric solutions are being tested at major airports and a national airport sustainability policy with over one hundred industry-led initiatives has been launched. Brazil’s unmatched breadth of airports, breadth of institutional investment strategy, commitment to regional inclusion, and embrace of new technologies establish it as the clear leader in airport infrastructure across South America.

***Please Note: It will take 48 hours (2 Business days) for delivery of the report upon order confirmation. Show more