Airport Operations Market Analysis

Application Segment Analysis

Under the application segment, the international airport is dominating and is poised to hold a share value of 65.7% in the airport operations market by 2035. The segment is driven by its higher-yielding passenger traffic and complex service requirements. International travelers generate significantly more revenue per head than domestic passengers via a combination of aeronautical charges, such as international passenger service fees, and non-aeronautical spending. These passengers typically spend more time in terminals, leading to increased sales in duty-free retail, premium lounges, and food and beverage outlets. The recovery of long-haul travel and the expanding global connectivity, mainly in emerging markets, solidifies this segment’s dominance. As per the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the U.S. airline international revenue passenger miles saw a dramatic YoY rise, highlighting the strong rebound. The IATA January 2025 data shows that the U.S. airline's revenue passenger kilometers increased by 10.4% in 2024, indicating the rapid recovery and growth of this sector. 

Airport Size Segment Analysis

Large airports are expected to be the leading segment in the airport operations market and hold a considerable share value by 2035. The segment functions as a major international hub and economic engine. Their scale allows them to handle a disproportionate volume of global passenger and cargo traffic, aiding a wide array of airlines, including the long-haul international carriers. This scale translates into a superior revenue generation from both the core aeronautical activities and extensive commercial offerings. The large airports can host vast terminal spaces filled with diverse retail, dining, and advertising opportunities, maximizing non-aeronautical income. The data from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirms the concentration of traffic at these major facilities. Further, the large hub airports are expected to hold a large number of passenger enplanements. The immense operational scale and revenue concentration at large airports cement their leading position as they continue to invest in expansion and technological upgrades to manage this volume efficiently.

Operation Segment Analysis

By 2035, the aeronautical sub-segment is expected to lead the operation segment and is directly tied to all aircraft and passenger movements. This segment includes revenues from the landing fees, passenger service charges, and aircraft parking, which are directly correlated with flight volume and passenger numbers, and drives the airport operations market. As the global air travel demand continues to recover and grow, aeronautical revenues provide a stable and scalable income stream. The resurgence is evident in recent government data. The U.S. Department of Transport in September 2025 reported a significant rebound in system-wide capacity and revenue, which is a key indicator for the aeronautical earnings. In the second quarter of 2025, the U.S. airline net gain was USD 4.0 billion, directly influencing the aeronautical fees collected by the airports based on the traffic volume. This robust financial recovery is driven by the sustained passenger demand, ensuring that the aeronautical activities will continue to be the primary financial pillar for airport operations, funding essential infrastructure and airside maintenance.

Our in-depth analysis of the airport operations market includes the following segments: