Covid-19 to cost airports in Asia-Pacific $3bn, 24% of passengers: Report

IATA last week said the coronavirus epidemic could rob passenger airlines of up to $113 billion in revenue this year

Airport passenger traffic in the Asia-Pacific region is expected to take a 24% hit in the first quarter from the coronavirus, leading to a $3 billion decline in airport revenue and placing pressure on growth projects, an industry group said on Monday.

Airports Council International (ACI) Asia-Pacific said the cancellation of flights had led to lower airline landing and parking charges, a decline in passenger and security charges and a drop in retail spending that was hurting airport operators.

"Unlike airlines, who can choose to cancel flights or relocate their aircraft to other markets to reduce operating costs, airport operators manage immovable