Bridging the investment gap and creating a national aviation strategy for next generation US airports

Airports are more than just transport hubs; they serve as gateways to the world and play an integral role in the overall travel experience, facilitating commerce and cultural exchange. Many airports in the US, however, struggle to meet even minimum standards, facing numerous challenges that hinder their potential as hubs that enable innovation by connecting people, places and ideas.

Challenges facing US airports

One issue facing American airports is ageing infrastructure. A significant proportion of US airports suffer from outdated infrastructure, and this not only poses safety risks but also has a knock-on effect which limits operational efficiency and constrains capacity, leading to delays, disruptions and disgruntled passengers. According to a 2019 report by the American Society of Civil Engineers , the average age of commercial service airports in the US is over 40 years.

With air travel demand projected to increase steadily in the coming decades, many airports are struggling to expand and upgrade their facilities to accommodate growing passenger volumes. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) projects that passenger numbers will grow from 926 million in 2019 to 1.31 billion by 2039. Congestion and overcrowding, particularly in major hub airports, will negatively impact passenger experience and airline operations.

Prioritizing investment

Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort from the government, and adequate funding to maintain and modernize airport infrastructure. Yet many airports face budgetary constraints and funding uncertainties.

In a positive step forward, the Biden-Harris administration launched a five-year, $25 billion grant to modernize airports nationwide. While significantly more money is needed— approximately $151 billion according to ACI World - Airports Council International —this grant has helped airports like Washington Dulles and Denver International Airport to make notable improvements. Likewise, in a report released by AirHelp , Salt Lake City International Airport was ranked number 8 in the world and the only US airport in the top 10, due to its new state of the art terminal which opened in 2020. The Biden-Harris administration has already committed $20 million to add further enhancements to these terminals.

However, the funding still falls short, and despite being the world’s largest and most dynamic travel market, not a single American airport is ranked in the top 20 by Skytrax. The closest is William P. Hobby Airport in Houston, Texas which is ranked at #29. Traveling through American airports, with their patchwork of unconnected terminals and long queues, does not reflect the true nature of the USA—the world’s largest economy and most innovative country. Why is this the case?

Developing a national aviation strategy

To create a thriving aviation network fit for the future, the US government must invest and replace ageing airport infrastructure while developing a comprehensive national aviation strategy that prioritizes safety and security, enforces minimum standards to improve the passenger experience and guarantees airline resilience. Through strategic investment, regulatory reform, and collaborative efforts with airlines, we can elevate airport infrastructure to meet global standards. Let’s work together to create a travel experience that truly represents the best of the USA.