According to ACI Europe, airports operate in a complex ecosystem where daily performance is shaped by inputs from airlines, ground handlers, Air Navigation Service Providers and the Network Manager. While disruptions such as weather events, airspace limitations or workforce shortages can be extraordinary, airports face similar challenges on a regular basis. This makes continuous monitoring, proactive action and joint decision-making critical for safeguarding reliability.
The organisation argues that airports must evolve from passive reporters of delay metrics to active managers of system performance. This means adopting predictive tools, expanding situational awareness and aligning all stakeholders around shared operational objectives.
Olivier Jankovec, Director General of ACI Europe, said: “Running an airport is too often akin to managing a factory you have invested in without being able to really control its throughput and performance. That needs to change. The constraints we face in Europe on developing physical capacity along with the sustainability imperative and increased disruptions – notably from new and hybrid threats – only mean one thing. That airports need to be recognised and empowered to become the masters of their own capacity and performance. This must also include the revision of European airport slot rules, to ensure more transparency and efficiency – and also safeguard the integrity and competitiveness of our aviation market.”
New frameworks for coordinated airport performance
To support this industry-wide evolution, ACI Europe released two strategic publications during the conference:
- The Airport Performance Position Paper: This document sets out how airports can shift from reactive to predictive performance management. Instead of focusing solely on delays and on-time performance, the paper encourages airports to manage core inputs such as gate allocation, asset readiness, resource planning and process reliability. This approach enables better planning, smoother turnarounds and enhanced operational predictability – ultimately improving the passenger experience.
- The Airport Operations Plan (AOP) Guidebook: Designed as a practical tool, the AOP provides a framework for airports to create a unified, rolling operational plan. By integrating airside and landside operations and aligning all airport partners through shared situational awareness, the AOP helps stakeholders anticipate disruptions, respond more effectively and maintain service continuity.
The guidebook centres on four connected performance services: Steer, Monitor, Manage and Post-Operations Analysis. These services allow airports to balance demand and capacity in real time, address operational bottlenecks and strengthen resilience. The AOP is also aligned with SESAR’s Common Project 1 Regulation, ensuring interoperability with EUROCONTROL’s Network Operations Plan.
Collaborative approaches for operational excellence
ACI Europe stressed that delivering predictable, high-quality operations requires collaborative leadership. Airports must take the initiative in orchestrating discussions and aligning stakeholders, not by assuming others’ roles but by coordinating efforts across the full aviation ecosystem.
The association is calling on airlines, ground handlers, ANSPs, slot coordinators and regulators to integrate their processes with airport-led performance frameworks. Shared, data-driven decision-making – including the connection between Airport Operations Plans and the Network Operations Plan – is essential to improve resilience and deliver a more efficient, sustainable network.
With this guidance, ACI Europe aims to equip airports with the tools and governance structures they need to navigate increasing operational complexity, enhance predictability and deliver consistently reliable journeys for passengers across the continent.
Tags:Olivier Jankovec, ACI Europe