Most international airports are state-owned: IATA

US department data show shothere were over 19,700 airports in US and, of them, 5,170 airports are open to general public

As the government proceeds with privatisation of six airports, global airlines body IATA has noted that most airports across the world are state-owned and aviation policy makers should take decisions in this regard keeping in view interests of airlines and passengers.

"The airport sector has not gone through the same process of structural transformation as the airline sector. Only nine% of European airports are in full private ownership, while 78% remain fully publicly-owned," International Air Transport Association said in its latest report titled 'Airport Competition'.

According to the 2011-2015 National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems released by the US Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration, there were over 19,700 airports in the US and, of them, 5,170 airports are open to the general public.

"Most US commercial service airports are typically owned by local or state governments, either directly or through an authority (a quasi-governmental body established to operate the airport)," says Airlines for America (A4A), a body recognised by US Congress and all government bodies.

It says "while Congress established a 'privatisation program' in 1997 under which the airport ownership would be transferred to a non-governmental entity, no airport currently participates in this program."

In its report, the IATA said the process of privatisation of airports "is far from complete and so many airports remain insulated from competitive pressures.