The impact of airport and seaport privatization on efficiency and performance: A review of the international evidence and implications for developing countries

This article provides a synthesis of the international evidence with respect to the impact of privatization on the efficiency and performance of airports and seaports. The theoretical frameworks, particularly the arguments for potential efficiency gains from privatization are reviewed first, followed by a discussion and evaluation of the empirical results and conclusions from selected studies of airport and seaport privatization. Then, policy implications of the theoretical frameworks and the international evidence are discussed with special reference to privatization of the transport infrastructure in developing countries. Future research directions are also suggested.

► International evidence on the impact of airport and seaport privatization on efficiency. ► Review of theoretical frameworks and empirical results from published studies. ► Regulation and competition confound the impact of privatization on performance. ► A holistic approach to privatization, regulation and competition is a determinant of success. ► Not yet enough empirical evidence for a reliable assessment of success or failure.