ACI EUROPE and BCG Warn: €360 Billion Needed to Modernize European Airports by 2040

Immediate finance and infrastructure figures

€360 billion is the estimated capital gap European airports must cover by 2040 to modernize terminals, upgrade security and sustainability systems, and maintain connectivity across the network. BCG’s scenario analysis also flags a potential cumulative EBITDA shortfall of €45–75 billion over the next two decades if volume-driven revenue models remain unchanged.

Key figures at a glance

Why this matters for transfers and taxis

When airports face funding gaps, ripple effects reach the curbside. Reduced capital for terminal access, taxiways, pick-up/drop-off zones, and EV charging can increase congestion at arrival areas and lengthen pickup times. That directly affects drivers’ turnaround time, passenger wait times, and ultimately the fare 그리고 price of transfers. If small regional airports shrink or close, demand shifts to alternative hubs, changing routes and distances that cab companies and private transfer services must cover.

Operational impacts on the ground

• Longer queuing and curbside delays increase time per trip and reduce daily trips per driver.
• Investment in biometrics and faster security can shorten processing time—but requires integration with pick-up protocols used by transfer providers.
• Deployment of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and Book & Claim systems affects airline economics, which in turn alters flight schedules and peak flows that taxis and shuttles need to match.
• Preserving operating aid for regional airports helps maintain connectivity, supporting local taxi and minibus services.

Recommended policy and industry measures

The report highlights several policy actions that would stabilize airport finances and protect connectivity. Key measures include:

• Revising slots rules in the EU and UK to improve utilization and market efficiency.
• Preserving operating aid for smaller regional airports under State aid guidelines.
• Implementing the EU Sustainable Transport Investment Plan and developing a Book & Claim system for SAF.
• Providing regulatory support for biometrics and security technology to speed passenger flows.
• Ensuring predictable EU airport charge rules to help long-term planning for both airports and ground transport operators.

What transfer operators should watch

Transfer companies and taxis should monitor: slot rule reforms that shift flight timing, SAF adoption that alters airline routing economics, and investment plans that improve or degrade access roads and curbside capacity. Early dialogue with airports about curb management, EV charging for fleets, and dedicated pick-up lanes can preserve service reliability and help control fare volatility.

Practical steps for drivers, fleets, and passengers

• Drivers: track changes in terminal layouts and curbside rules to optimize drop-off and pick-up time.
• Fleets: plan for incremental costs—license, maintenance, and potential investments in low-emission vehicles as airports push sustainability standards.
• Passengers: book transfers early and choose services with transparent pricing and vehicle details to avoid surprises at the airport.

At a glance — strategic outcomes

Without corrective policy and investment, many airports may struggle to fund modernization, raising costs for airlines and ground transport companies alike. Conversely, targeted regulatory support and stable charge rules can keep regional connectivity intact and give taxi and transfer operators a predictable business environment.

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In summary, Europe’s airports face a substantial investment and operational challenge through 2040 that will shape the travel map, affect airport-to-city logistics, and influence how much it costs to book an exact transfer or taxi seat after a flight. Stability in airport charge rules, targeted aid for regional fields, and adoption of SAF and biometrics are central to preserving competition, keeping prices reasonable, and ensuring drivers and companies can plan. Platforms like LocalsRide.com add transparency—letting users see the make, model, and ratings of vehicles before they book, so passengers know the service level and approximate fare in advance—making airport-to-city transfers easier to manage and more predictable.