Route Development
Tunisia Plans $1B Expansion to Quadruple Tunis-Carthage Airport Capacity
Tunisia will invest $1 billion to expand Tunis-Carthage Airport, increasing passenger capacity to 18.5 million by 2031 with new terminals and metro connectivity.

This article summarizes reporting by Reuters and official data from the Tunisian Transport Ministry.
Tunisia Launches $1 Billion Expansion to Quadruple Tunis-Carthage Airports Capacity
Tunisia has officially unveiled a massive infrastructure initiative designed to modernize its primary aviation gateway, the Tunis-Carthage International Airport. According to reporting by Reuters on March 8, 2026, the government plans to invest approximately 3 billion Tunisian dinars ($1 billion) to expand the facility, aiming to nearly quadruple its passenger capacity by the start of the next decade.
The project represents a significant shift in national aviation Strategy, moving away from previous proposals to construct an entirely new airport in favor of optimizing the existing hub. As detailed in official announcements from the Tunisian Transport Ministry, the expansion is a direct response to record-breaking tourism numbers and the urgent need to relieve congestion at a facility that is currently operating well beyond its design limits.
Project Scope: Reaching 18.5 Million Passengers
The core objective of the 3 billion dinar Investments is to raise the airport’s annual capacity from its current baseline of 5 million passengers to 18.5 million by 2031. Data released by the Tunisian Civil Aviation and Airports Authority (OACA) outlines a multi-pronged approach to achieving this growth.
Terminal Infrastructure Upgrades
The expansion plan relies on both new construction and the rehabilitation of existing structures. According to project details cited in recent research reports, the capacity breakdown includes:
- New Terminal Construction: A new facility designed to handle 11 million passengers annually.
- Main Terminal Reconfiguration: The existing terminal will undergo significant modernization to accommodate 7 million passengers per year.
- Terminal 2 Retention: The smaller terminal, primarily used for charter flights, will be maintained with a capacity of 500,000 passengers.
New Metro Connectivity
Beyond the runway and terminals, the project addresses the critical issue of ground transport. The plan includes the construction of an elevated metro line linking the airport directly to central Tunis. This addition aims to alleviate the severe traffic congestion that currently plagues the routes leading to the capital, offering travelers a reliable alternative to road transport.
Economic Context: The Tourism Boom
The urgency of this expansion is driven by a robust recovery in Tunisia’s tourism sector. According to industry data, the country welcomed over 11 million international visitors in 2025, a historic threshold that generated record revenues of $2.7 billion. This surge has placed immense strain on Tunis-Carthage, which handled 7.24 million passengers in 2024, significantly higher than its official capacity of 5 million.
The infrastructure upgrade also aligns with the country’s broader strategic goals. Tunisia is preparing to host the title of “Arab Tourism Capital 2027,” and authorities are keen to present a modernized entry point that reflects the nation’s blend of history and urban development.
Aviation Policy and Strategic Control
While the physical infrastructure is being opened up, the regulatory environment remains protective. In February 2026, the Tunisian government confirmed it would not adopt a full “open skies” policy with the European Union. This decision is intended to shield the state-owned carrier, Tunisair, from unrestricted foreign competition during its recovery phase.
Tunisia plans to expand its main Tunis-Carthage airport… aiming to nearly quadruple passenger capacity as part of efforts to modernise air transport infrastructure.
— Reuters
Instead of open skies, the government is pursuing “controlled expansion” through bilateral agreements and domestic upgrades. This ensures that while the airport can handle more traffic, the national carrier retains a protected status within its primary hub.
AirPro News Analysis
The decision to expand Tunis-Carthage rather than build a greenfield airport represents a pragmatic pivot by the Tunisian government. Building a new airport often involves massive land acquisition costs, environmental hurdles, and longer timelines. By upgrading the existing site, Tunisia can leverage current assets and location advantages, the airport is only 8 kilometers from downtown Tunis.
However, this approach carries operational risks. Construction on an active airfield that is already operating at 145% of its capacity will require precise logistical management to avoid crippling delays for passengers. The inclusion of the metro link is a crucial differentiator; without it, quadrupling passenger throughput would likely result in gridlock on the surrounding road network, negating the efficiency gains inside the terminal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total cost of the Tunis-Carthage expansion?
The project is estimated to cost 3 billion Tunisian dinars, which is approximately $1 billion USD.
When will the expansion be completed?
The target date for reaching the full capacity of 18.5 million passengers is 2031.
Will there be a new airport built instead?
No. The government has officially abandoned plans for a new airport in favor of expanding and modernizing the current Tunis-Carthage site.
How will passengers get to the city?
The plan includes the construction of a new elevated metro line connecting the airport directly to the city center to reduce traffic congestion.
Sources
Photo Credit: Tunis Airport
Route Development
AirAsia MOVE Adds Four Direct Airline Partners in Q2 2026
AirAsia MOVE expands its direct airline roster to 75 carriers with Oman Air, Uzbekistan Airways, FitsAir, and Hainan Airlines.

AirAsia MOVE expanded its online travel agency (OTA) platform on June 29, 2026, integrating Oman Air, Uzbekistan Airways, FitsAir, and Hainan Airlines as direct booking partners.
The integration increases the platform’s direct airline roster to 75 global carriers. According to a press release issued by Capital A, the move supports the company’s Strategy to scale its distribution capabilities across the Middle East, Central Asia, South Asia, and China, transitioning the application further beyond its core AirAsia low-cost network.
Expanding global connectivity
The four new carriers represent a mix of full-service and low-cost operators. By establishing direct Partnerships, AirAsia MOVE bypasses third-party aggregators for these specific airlines. This direct technical link typically allows travel platforms to offer tighter integration of ancillary services, seat selection, and branded fare products.
AirAsia MOVE Chief Executive Officer Nadia Omer stated that expanding the network offering remains core to the platform’s mission as a flights-first OTA, noting that traveler demands across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region are evolving toward single-platform solutions.
“Securing the trust of major carriers like Oman Air, Uzbekistan Airways, FitsAir, and Hainan Airlines, particularly amidst ongoing macroeconomic headwinds and volatility, is a powerful testament to the commercial strength of the MOVE ecosystem and the regional reach we deliver to our partners,” Omer said.
Beyond its 75 direct partners, the platform currently offers inventory from approximately 700 additional airlines through authorized third-party suppliers. The application also provides access to more than one million hotels globally.
Strategic ecosystem growth
The second-quarter airline additions follow a series of regional partnerships aimed at broadening the application’s utility and market penetration. On June 24, 2026, AirAsia MOVE signed a collaboration agreement with the Tourism Authority of Thailand. The partnership is designed to support the country’s tourism growth initiatives through the OTA’s digital marketing and booking capabilities.
The company is also exploring alternative payment technologies to support its expansion into emerging markets. On May 25, 2026, AirAsia MOVE signed a letter of intent with Intebix and the Solana Foundation. The agreement focuses on exploring the integration of a Tenge-denominated stablecoin on the Solana blockchain, intended to expand digital payment options for users in Kazakhstan.
AirPro News analysis
We view AirAsia MOVE’s continued accumulation of direct airline partners as a necessary step in its transition from a captive airline application to a standalone OTA competitor. While offering 700 airlines via third-party suppliers provides necessary breadth, direct integrations yield better margins and allow the platform to merchandise partner flights more effectively. Securing full-service carriers like Oman Air and Hainan Airlines also helps diversify the platform’s user base, attracting demographics beyond the budget-conscious travelers traditionally associated with the core AirAsia brand.
Sources: Capital A Newsroom (Press Release)
Photo Credit: Capital A
Route Development
Portland Airport Completes $2 Billion Terminal Expansion
PDX completes its $2B, 1M sq ft terminal expansion, doubling capacity with a mass timber roof and all-electric heat pump system.

The Port of Portland and ZGF Architects LLP officially opened the second and final phase of the $2 billion main terminal expansion at Portland International Airports (PDX) on June 30, 2026. The completion of the one million-square-foot project doubles the passenger capacity of the airport and concludes five years of phased construction.
According to a press release issued by ZGF Architects, the expansion represents the largest public infrastructure project in Oregon’s history. The facility remained fully operational throughout the construction process, which was executed by a project team including the Hoffman Skanska Joint Venture, KPFF, Arup, PAE, and Swinerton.
Architectural and structural engineering features
A defining feature of the renovated terminal is a nine-acre prefabricated mass timber roof spanning the facility. The structure is engineered for high seismic resilience, specifically designed to withstand a 9.0 magnitude earthquake originating from the Cascadia Subduction Zone.
The terminal also establishes new environmental benchmarks for aviation infrastructure. The design incorporates an all-electric ground-source heat pump system, which the architects state will achieve a 50 percent reduction in energy use per square foot compared to previous operations.
Phase two enhancements and passenger experience
Following the opening of the project’s first phase in 2024, the newly completed second phase introduces a redesigned arrival sequence. The layout features new exit lanes on the north and south ends of the terminal to streamline connections between concourses. Additional upgrades include a new descent path to the baggage claim area, expanded post-security gathering spaces, skylit all-user restrooms, and an updated selection of local retail and dining options.
Port of Portland Executive Director Curtis Robinhold highlighted the regional focus of the construction effort and the materials utilized throughout the terminal.
“Thousands of local workers brought our shared vision to life, using locally sourced materials and setting a new bar for how it should be done,” Robinhold said. “I couldn’t be prouder of this special place we built together.”
Sharron van der Meulen, managing partner at ZGF Architects, noted that the terminal is designed to adapt to future aviation demands while serving as a gateway to the Pacific Northwest.
Industry recognition and operational impact
Since the initial phase debuted in 2024, the PDX terminal design has garnered multiple international accolades. These include the Prix Versailles World’s Most Beautiful Airport award, Fast Company’s Best Design in North-America distinction, and recognition from the Holcim Foundation for Sustainable Construction.
AirPro News analysis
We view the completion of the PDX terminal as a significant case study for mid-sized and large hub airports facing capacity constraints. Executing a $2 billion, one million-square-foot expansion while maintaining uninterrupted flight operations demonstrates a highly coordinated phasing strategy. The integration of a mass timber roof and an all-electric heat pump system aligns with the broader aviation industry’s push toward decarbonizing ground infrastructure, providing a viable template for future terminal modernization projects across North America.
Sources: ZGF Architects LLP via PR Newswire
Photo Credit: ZGF Architects LLP
Route Development
BrasÃlia Airport Concession Restructured by CAAP and ANAC
Inframerica signs a Transition Amendment Agreement with ANAC, triggering a public tender for BrasÃlia Airport shares by December 2026.

Corporación América Airports S.A. (CAAP) subsidiary Inframerica Concessionária do Aeroporto de BrasÃlia S.A. has signed a Transition Amendment Agreement with the Brazilian Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC) to restructure the BrasÃlia Airport concession, triggering a mandatory public tender for the operator’s shares by December 2026.
Announced in a June 26, 2026 press release, the agreement fundamentally alters the economic framework of the airport’s management. The restructuring replaces the existing fixed concession fee with a variable fee model, removes state-owned company Infraero from the shareholding structure, and expands the concession to include 10 additional regional airports.
Economic and structural changes to the concession
The Brazilian Federal Court approved the Transition Amendment Agreement in April 2026. Under the revised terms, Inframerica will commit to additional investments at BrasÃlia Airport alongside the integration and management of the 10 regional facilities added to the portfolio.
A central component of the restructuring is the exit of Infraero. Currently, CAAP holds a 51 percent equity interest in Inframerica, while Infraero holds the remaining 49 percent. The new agreement dissolves this joint structure, paving the way for full private ownership of the concessionaire and removing the state entity from operational and financial oversight.
The upcoming public tender process
Because the Transition Amendment Agreement introduces material changes to the original concession contract, Brazilian regulatory and legal frameworks require a competitive bidding process. A fast-track public tender for 100 percent of Inframerica’s shares is scheduled to conclude by December 2026.
CAAP confirmed its intention to participate in the tender to retain control of the BrasÃlia Airport concession. The agreement includes a contingency provision stipulating that if no external bids are received during the tender process, the amended concession will automatically be granted to Inframerica.
CAAP network performance context
The BrasÃlia restructuring occurs as CAAP maintains steady traffic volumes across its global portfolio. In 2025, the operator’s network handled 86.7 million passengers across its Latin American and European footprint.
Recent company data indicates this scale is holding steady into the current year. On June 18, 2026, CAAP reported handling 6.888 million passengers in May 2026. While this represented a marginal 0.2 percent decrease compared to the same month in the previous year, the company’s year-to-date traffic remained up 4.7 percent at 35.76 million passengers.
AirPro News analysis
We view the shift from a fixed to a variable concession fee as a critical de-risking mechanism for CAAP. Fixed-fee structures have historically placed severe financial strain on Brazilian airport operators during demand shocks, as seen during the pandemic recovery phase. By aligning concession payments with actual revenue or traffic performance, the operator insulates itself against future volatility. Furthermore, the exit of Infraero from the shareholding structure reflects a continued maturation of Brazil’s airport privatization program, allowing operators greater agility in capital allocation and strategic planning without the friction of state-owned minority partnerships.
Sources: Corporación América Airports S.A. Press Release (June 26, 2026)
Photo Credit: Montage
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