Aviacionline | 19 February 2026
Vinci Airports to operate Santiago SCL until 2038 following settlement with Chilean government
by Gustavo Roe
The management of Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) will remain under the control of the Nuevo Pudahuel consortium —led by Vinci Airports, Groupe ADP, and Astaldi— for an additional three years beyond the original agreement. This resolution follows a ruling by the Arbitration Commission and an extensive negotiation process with the Ministry of Public Works (MOP), extending the contract until October 2038.
The agreement establishes a temporary reduction in the revenue share that the company transfers to the Chilean State. The percentage of total income received by the government will drop from 77.56% to 73% during the extension period. This measure aims to compensate for the financial imbalance caused by the collapse in demand during the health crisis, which at its most critical point reduced passenger traffic by more than 90%.
A history of legal tension and the ICSID withdrawal
The conflict dates back to 2021 when the pandemic restrictions effectively halted operations at Latin America’s key southern hub. Unlike other countries in the region, the Chilean government under two different administrations initially refused to renegotiate the terms of the "force majeure" clause, leading the consortium to file a claim before the ICSID (International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes). The shareholders sought over $323 million in damages, alleging that the economic equilibrium of the contract had been shattered.
By formalizing this new decree, Nuevo Pudahuel’s shareholders have agreed to withdraw the international arbitration. This move provides legal certainty for the Chilean State and ensures the continuity of one of the most demanding concession models in the world, where the State historically captures one of the highest percentages of gross airport revenue globally.
Technical upgrades and local impact
The airport's infrastructure has recently integrated high-tech systems that now have the financial backing for long-term maintenance. Most notably, the BHS (Baggage Handling System) in the International Terminal (T2) employs automated sorting technology capable of processing over 4,000 bags per hour. The ratified contract also ensures the continued operation of CUPPS (Common Use Passenger Processing Systems), which allows different airlines to dynamically share counters and self-check-in kiosks, optimizing terminal space.
For the local community in Pudahuel, a municipality on the western outskirts of Santiago, the extension guarantees the continuation of local employment agreements and environmental mitigation programs. For travelers, the stability of the concession means that the master plan to reach a capacity of 38 million passengers annually remains on track, supporting the growth of long-haul connectivity in the region.
