Argentina extended Aeropuertos Argentina 2000's concession over 35 airports by 11 years, to February 2049, and will add seven more years to 2056 if the operator invests US$600 million in new works, according to an administrative decision published in the Official Gazette on Monday.
The measure, Decisión Administrativa 27/2026, was signed by Cabinet Chief Diego Santilli and Economy Minister Luis Caputo, according to El Cronista. President Milei recused himself because of his past professional ties to Corporación América, the group controlled by businessman Eduardo Eurnekian, EFE reported. The concession had been due to expire in 2038.
To secure the longer term, an international audit firm must certify by June 30, 2027 that the funds are available, and 75% of the works must be completed by December 31, 2031, La Nación reported. El Cronista said the new investment will go mainly to Ezeiza International Airport. The government has not disclosed which works are included.
The government set the operator's internal rate of return at 14.3%. It said the company had initially sought about 17% and an extension to 2078, according to La Nación. The decree cites the pandemic's impact on global aviation and the Ley Bases reform law as grounds for the new terms.
Aeropuertos Argentina 2000 operates the country's main airports, including Ezeiza, Aeroparque, Córdoba and Mendoza, which together handle about 90% of commercial air traffic, and employs about 2,800 people, according to EFE. It is owned by Corporación América (45.9%), Corporación América Sudamericana (29.75%), the Argentine state (15%) and Cedicor (9.35%). A previous extension in 2020 came with about US$606 million in investment commitments that are close to completion, La Nación said.
The decision keeps Argentina's main airports under private operation for at least two more decades. Ezeiza faces a nearer test this spring, when its main runway is cut to half capacity for 17 days.