The airport construction market reached $1.25 trillion in 2026. This growth stems from rising air travel demand and worldwide infrastructure upgrades. The global airport construction market grows from $1.21 trillion in 2025 to $1.25 trillion in 2026 at a 3.1% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). Forecasts show it reaching $1.43 trillion by 2030, with a 3.3% CAGR, driven by capacity expansions and growth in emerging markets. Alternative estimates value it at $1.255 trillion in 2026, reaching $1.43 trillion by 2030.
Key Growth Drivers
Air travel surges fuel demand, with global passengers at 8 billion in 2023, up 30.6% year-over-year. Population growth to 9.7 billion by 2050 boosts connectivity needs. Government investments and public-private partnerships (PPPs) support upgrades, alongside urbanization in the Asia-Pacific.
Regional Highlights
Asia-Pacific leads with rapid urbanization and investments, planning to spend $240 billion from 2025 to 2035 to accommodate 1.24 billion more passengers. The Middle East leads with greenfield projects; North America grows fastest through modernizations. India aims to reach 220 airports by 2030 under the National Civil Aviation Policy.
Key builds include Vietnam’s Long Thanh International Airport, phase one of which is expected to be completed in 2026 and will serve 25 million passengers. Poland’s Centralny Port Komunikacyjny seeks permits in 2026, opening in 2032. JFK Airport in the US plans to add Terminal 6 by 2028 and complete road upgrades by 2027.
Leading Companies
Top firms include China State Construction Engineering Corporation, Vinci Construction, Bechtel Corporation, Larsen & Toubro, and TAV Construction. Others, such as Hochtief AG, Fluor Corporation, and AECOM, drive innovation.
Trends
Sustainable practices are advancing with solar farms at Istanbul and Athens Airports to achieve energy independence. Smart tech includes modular construction, biometric systems, and baggage handling upgrades. Eco-materials, such as recycled concrete, and energy-efficient designs cut emissions.
Image Credit – e.vnexpress.net
