Fitch says retail becoming important for European airports

Retail and real estate operations is boosting European airport revenues and diversifying its income, said Fitch Ratings in a report on October 7, 2024. With airports in the region developing into complex hubs, retail revenue at EU airports has grown faster than passenger numbers. Fitch said this has helped improve airport’s profitability and diversifying from pure aviation activity. “Retail revenue at European airports usually offers significant downside protections in case of passenger number contractions,” said Fitch in its report. “These protections include minimum annual income guarantees in concession contracts, ensuring a predictable revenue stream even when sales decline.” With many