Global airport revenue could decline by more than US$97bn in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to research by Airports Council International (ACI) World.
Passenger numbers are predicted to fall by more than two billion globally in the second quarter, and more than 4.6 billion for 2020.
Revenue is expected to fall by US$39.2bn in the second quarter and exceed US$97b for 2020.
The association says the figures show why governments need to assist airports to preserve essential operations and protect jobs and livelihoods.
Angela Gittens, director general of ACI World, said, “The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on airports, the wider aviation ecosystem, and the global economy continues to worsen and represents an existential threat to the industry unless governments can provide appropriate relief and assistance.
“Airports are critical in the air transport ecosystem which is a key driver of local, regional and national economies and the communities they serve, and this global economic multiplier effect needs to be safeguarded to help underpin recovery.”