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.