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Ownership and control of airports

Introduction

The Department regulates issues of ownership and control at the leased federal airports through restrictions provided under the Airports Act 1996 (the Act) and the associated regulations. The aims of these restrictions are to:

  • ensure majority Australian ownership of airports;
  • place limits on the ownership of airports by airlines;
  • ensure diversity of ownership and control of certain major airports; and
  • promote efficient and economic development and operation of airports.

Ownership

There are restrictions on ownership at leased federal airports:

1. Foreign ownership

Under s40 of the Act there is a 49% limit on foreign ownership of airport-operator companies. This occurs where a group of (or single) foreign persons hold in total a stake (including the interests of the person's associates) in the company of more than 49%.

2. Airline ownership

Under s44 of the Act there is a 5% limit on airline ownership of airport-operator companies. This occurs where an airline holds in total a stake (including the interests of the person's associates) in the company of more than 5%.

3. Cross-ownership

Under s50 of the Act there is a 15% limit on cross-ownership between paired airport operator companies (Sydney and Perth, Sydney and Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne). This occurs when a person holds a total stake (including the interests of the person's associates) in both of the paired airport operator companies of more than 15%.

Certain foreign investment is also subject to the approval of the Foreign Investment Review Board.

Regulation

Subject to certain eligibility criteria, a trustee/manager/interest-holder investing in an airport-operator company can, in writing, apply to the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government for:

  • A “substantially Australian” fund declaration which relates to the calculating of foreign ownership of Airport Lessee Companies; and/or
  • A distanced investment fund declaration which relates to the calculating of airline ownership.

For more information, refer to Airports Act 1996: Ownership Rules with Regard to Investment Funds .

For additional information and/or clarification on the Airports (Ownership) Regulations 2024, please contact Airport.Ownership@infrastructure.gov.au.