ABSTRACT
Privatization of airports is yet another commercial tool which is sweeping the globe clear of modern challenges faced by the aviation industry. The almost uncontrollable growth in demand for air transport services has prompted countries across the world, from Australia to Zimbabwe, to consider seriously the selling of their airports or handing over their management to private entrepreneurs. It is distinctly possible that, in keeping with this trend, hundreds of airports may be sold over the next few years in order that airport infrastructures will be broad-based to accommodate the overall passenger growth of 5.7 per cent between 1999 and 2000,1 and of 6 per cent thereafter, until the year 2005.2
Another reason which impels airports to go in for privatization and optimize their services is the impact of airline alliances on airport facilities. A good example is Miami International Airport, which has made changes to a capital improvement programme, adding $500 million to an already buffered $5.4 billion programme in order to accommodate the alignment of airlines under Oneworld, Star and North West-Continental alliances.3
