Air transport sector has been undergoing profound changes over the recent decades. Globalisation, political instability, terrorism and economic turmoil have driven the sector towards a turmoil. On the other hand, the sector continues to show a robust growth.

The major visible trends are: different growth rates across market segments, diversification of ownership, strong downward pressure on fares and cargo tariffs, liberalization together with abandonment of ownership restrictions and privatization of airlines hitherto government-owned, falling yields, cost cutting with a strong emphasis on labour costs, or intensify usage of electronic communications.

Airports have been searching for alternative sources of revenues; and many have evolved towards truly multi-business, multi-activities areas (with retail centres, logistics areas, business centres, etc), embracing the concept of City Airport.