Athens Airport Concession Deal Talks Kick Off

The board of the Athens International Airport (AIA) decided last week to launch negotiations for the 20-year extension of the concession contract for the management of the country’s largest airport.

The deal, expected to be completed before fall, will focus on the financial return for the 20-year extension and on the amendments to the concession deal.

The extension of the current contract to 2036 is expected to generate more than 500 million euros, particularly in view of growing traffic numbers – to the tune of 18 million in 2015 – and puts an end to rumors about the imminent sale of a 30 percent stake in the airport.

Negotiations will be handled by Canadian fund PSP Investments, which holds 40 percent of shares and management, with the final decision in the hands of AIA management.