Sydney Airport has been criticised for over-charging by the world's leading airline body, which has also called for a decision to be made urgently on the location of a second airport for the city.
In a speech in Sydney today, the International Air Transport Association's chief executive, Giovanni Bisignani, highlighted a report into airport charges, which ranked Sydney Airport as the ninth most expensive airport in the world last year in terms of costs, compared with a 34th ranking in 2000.
"Airports should be profitable. But they are also monopolies that must be effectively regulated," Mr Bisignani told the National Aviation Press Club.
The call came on the same day as MAp Group, the majority owner of Sydney Airport, announced an 18 per cent increase in proportionate earnings to $205 million for the half year.
"Sydney Airport has again proved a sterling performer," MAp's boss, Kerrie Mather, said today.
The performance of airport owners such as the Macquarie Bank-backed MAp stand in stark contrast to airlines that are only just beginning to shrug off one of the worst downturns in travel.
IATA represents about 230 airlines worldwide, including Qantas.
Mr Bisignani highlighted a report into airport charges, which ranked Sydney Airport as the ninth most expensive airport in the world last year in terms of costs, compared with a 34th ranking in 2000.
Mr Bisignani said the situation needed to be rebalanced urgently and he fully supported the planned Productivity Commission's review of the regulatory framework.
He also said a decision needed to be made on the location of a second airport for Sydney after at least 50 years of studies.
"The clock is ticking. Even 20 years is a tight timeline," he said.
"Kingsford Smith will reach a point where it will not be able to handle Sydney's needs. Whether you believe that will happen in 10 years or in 20 years, a decision on the next airport is now critical."
Sydney Airport was rated the country's worst large airport for the fourth year in a row in March, charging the highest average prices per passenger.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's report in March accused the airport of price gouging with car parking rates.
Noting the price of short-term parking had almost doubled in the past financial year – from $28 to $50 for four hours – the report said that car parking revenue was considerably above operating expenses over the whole reporting period.
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