ACI-LAC says Venezuelan airports need legal certainty to attract private operators

The International Council of Airports for Latin America and the Caribbean (ACI-LAC) said Venezuela has sound economic fundamentals at key terminals such as Caracas and Margarita Island to attract private operators. It warned, however, that the absence of a legal framework offering legal certainty, and a lack of deregulation, are holding back such investment.

Speaking at a global airports meeting held in Lima, Peru, on 28 and 29 September, ACI-LAC director general Rafael Echevarne said Venezuelan air transport retains notable growth potential. He identified two strategic terminals with firm financial bases that could draw interest from investors both inside and outside the region: Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía, serving Caracas, and the airport on Margarita Island.

Both facilities are currently run by the state company Bolivariana de Aeropuertos (BAER). The government has so far given no indication that it intends to hand over their management under a concession arrangement, though the airports body considers that option viable for the sector's development.

Echevarne stressed that legislation providing legal certainty is indispensable for attracting and keeping private operators. He also said moving toward a deregulated environment is essential if the country is to recover the prominent role it held in commercial aviation years ago.