€360 Billion Required for European Airports by 2040 — ACI EUROPE and BCG Findings

European airports require €360 billion in capital investment by 2040, according to a joint analysis by ACI EUROPE and Boston Consulting Group (BCG), with immediate implications for airport capacity, resilience and surface access including taxi and transfer services.

At a glance: scale and drivers of the funding gap

The report presented at ACI EUROPE’s New Year reception — attended by Members of the European Parliament Nikolina Brnjac and Jan-Christoph Oetjen — identifies slower passenger growth driven by climate policy, rising operating costs and downward pressure on revenues as the main structural pressures. BCG estimates a potential loss of €45–75 billion in EBITDA over the next 20 years if corrective action is not taken, reducing airports’ ability to self-fund upgrades that affect terminal operations, ground access and passenger flows.

Key investment areas and consequences for transfers

• Terminal modernization: digital check-in, biometrics and streamlined security lanes change curbside traffic patterns and pickup/drop-off zones.
• Resilience and sustainability: energy upgrades and SAF storage influence airport logistics and freight transfers.
• Regional connectivity: preserving small airport services impacts local taxi markets and private car hires.

Practical impacts on taxi and transfer operators

When airports delay capital projects or trim services, transfer operators face fluctuating demand, changes to kerbside rules, and shifting parking and waiting fees. For travelers who like to plan, this means variable fare and pickup reliability — exactly the conditions where pre-booked transfers with clear vehicle and driver details add value.

Policy recommendations that matter for ground transport

The report lists several policy actions that indirectly affect taxi and transfer markets:

• Revise airport slot rules in the EU and the UK (as recommended by the Draghi report) to improve utilization and scheduling predictability.
• Preserve operating aid for smaller regional airports under EU State aid Guidelines to avoid sudden service reductions.
• Deploy the EU Sustainable Transport Investment Plan, including a Book & Claim system for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), which will change fuel logistics and airport supply chains.
• Provide regulatory support for biometrics and enhanced security processes that reshape terminal dwell times and curbside throughput.
• Ensure stable and predictable EU airport charge rules to support investment planning.

Investment categories: quick comparison

Operational recommendations for transfer providers

Operators and taxi companies should have a mind to adapt to these changes by:

• Monitoring curbside and kerb management updates at key airports.
• Offering flexible pricing models to absorb sporadic changes in demand and parking fees.
• Investing in clear digital communication (real-time pickup location, driver license and car details) to improve trust with passengers.

What travelers should expect

Passengers may see a mix of improvements and temporary disruptions: terminals becoming faster and greener, while some regional routes and services face consolidation. For those who value certainty at the airport — exact pickup points, verified drivers and upfront fares — pre-booked transfers will remain a practical solution.

Provide a short forecast on how this news could impact the global tourism and travel map: the €360 billion funding requirement is regionally significant for Europe and could mildly influence international route planning and investment flows, but it is unlikely to reshape global travel patterns overnight. However, it is highly relevant to operators and passengers who depend on consistent airport services. On GetTransfer, you can hire a car with driver from verified providers at reasonable prices. Start planning your next adventure and secure your worldwide transfer with GetTransfer. Book your Ride GetTransfer.com

In summary, Europe’s airport investment shortfall to 2040 highlights rising pressures on terminals, sustainability projects and regional connectivity, all of which trickle down to taxi and transfer services. By anticipating changes to curbside rules, security processing and fuel logistics, travelers and operators can adapt booking habits and fleet choices. GetTransfer.com supports this need for predictability by offering transparent, global options where users can see the exact car, model, license and driver rating before they book, making airport transfers easier to plan and less prone to surprise. Whether you need a private limousine, a cheap cab, a multi-seater van or a secure airport shuttle, GetTransfer helps you compare fares, prices and services so you know how much to expect and where to be at the right time — taxi, city, destination, airport, driver and seat all visible on the app for a stress-free trip.