In this article, we discuss the 10 worst airport stocks to buy along with the latest developments in the air travel industry.

Air travel plays a significant role in the global economy as it directly contributes to economic growth by facilitating trade and tourism. The aviation industry generates millions of jobs worldwide, both directly and indirectly.

The industry was hit quite hard by the pandemic and later the Russia-Ukraine conflict. However, it has experienced a remarkable resurgence in passenger demand, which is surpassing pre-pandemic levels and signaling a strong recovery for the aviation industry.

Bain & Company forecasts reveal that annual air travel demand is on track to exceed pre-pandemic levels, specifically measured by revenue passenger kilometers (RPK). By 2030, the global RPK is expected to reach 11.4 trillion, which represents 136% of the 2019 volume.

Moreover, the Airports Council International (ACI) World released its 2024 Annual World Airport Traffic Report on September 19 where the council compiled data from over 2,700 airports across more than 180 countries.

The council forecasts a 10% increase in global passenger traffic for 2024, at approximately 9.5 billion. In 2023, passenger traffic hit 8.7 billion, representing a 30.6% increase from 2022 and recovering 95% of pre-pandemic levels.

For 2024, the passenger numbers are expected to exceed 4% of pre-pandemic numbers. Data from the first half of 2024 shows an 11% year-over-year increase in passenger numbers, as international travel increased by 17%. The report projects domestic travel will account for 5.4 billion passengers, while international travel is expected to reach 4.1 billion.

Artificial Intelligence: Transformative Trend In Airline Industry

Using AI in the airline industry marks a significant change toward improving efficiency and customer satisfaction. It shows how technology can make services better while still keeping the important human touch in operations. We discussed this in our article about 11 Worst Aviation Stocks to Buy According to Analysts. Here is an excerpt from the article:

“Like most industries of today, airlines are also implementing AI to improve the efficiency of their operations. According to an August report by CNBC, these companies are using AI for tasks like ground control, customer service, and optimizing flight routes.

American Airlines introduced its AI-powered “smart gating” system at its Dallas-Fort Worth control center. The tool automatically assigns gates to incoming flights, which cut runway taxi time by around 20%, or two minutes per flight, across five airports. The system also helps passengers, baggage, and crews make quicker connections, which improves overall efficiency.

Alaska is using AI to streamline flight paths and optimize aircraft turnaround times at gates. Its tool is described as “Waze for the skies,” and it uses AI to plan faster routes, which saves fuel and reduces delays. Additionally, the system monitors ground operations as it tracks when fuel, catering, and baggage trucks arrive and depart, which allows agents to address delays immediately.

United has implemented generative AI for customer service, especially during flight disruptions. The AI generates detailed, empathetic messages explaining delays, which has increased customer satisfaction by 4% since its rollout on 6,000 flights.”

Moreover, the report by CNBC stated that AI will not be significantly replacing human labor. Instead, it will help humans work more efficiently.

With that, let’s take a look at the 10 Worst Airport Stocks to Buy.

Our Methodology

For this article, we used the Yahoo Finance stocks screener along with ETFs and online rankings to identify over 20 airport or airport related stocks. We narrowed our list to 10 stocks with the lowest average analyst price target, as of September 26. The stocks are listed in descending order of their average price target. We also added hedge fund sentiment around the stocks that trade on the NYSE and NASDAQ, which was taken from Insider Monkey’s database of over 900 elite hedge funds.

Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points (see more details here).

10 Worst Airport Stocks to Buy

10. Aeroports de Paris SA (OTC:AEOXF)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: N/A

Average Analyst Price Target Upside: 28.4%

Aeroports de Paris SA (OTC:AEOXF), now known as Groupe ADP, is a prominent international airport operator headquartered in Paris, France. The company manages the three major airports serving the Paris metropolitan area, Charles de Gaulle, Orly, and Le Bourget. It is responsible for the full range of airport services, including engineering, design, infrastructure development, and day-to-day operations.

The company manages 26 airports worldwide through concessions, partnerships, and management contracts. Beyond these core assets, it is actively involved in over 100 airports across more than 50 countries through its various subsidiaries and business ventures.

Groupe ADP (OTC:AEOXF) has embarked on a transformative strategic roadmap known as “2025 Pioneers.” The initiative is designed to reshape the airport experience and enhance operational sustainability. The organization views itself as a hospitality group dedicated to serving travelers by reimagining the airport experience through smooth journeys and innovative services.

The organization aims to transform airport infrastructure into multi-modal transport hubs that use eco-friendly materials and connect well with other transport systems. The company aims to build strong relationships with local communities and address their needs for energy, logistics, and real estate.

Groupe ADP (OTC:AEOXF) has been covered by 18 analysts with 6 Buy-equivalent and 12 Hold ratings. Their average price target shows an upside of 28.4% to the company’s stock, as of September 26. It is the 10th stock on our list of worst airport stocks.

9.  Fraport AG (OTC:FPRUF)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: N/A

Average Analyst Price Target Upside: 26.1%

Fraport AG (OTC:FPRUF) is a major global player in airport management. It operates Frankfurt Airport, one of the busiest airports worldwide, and offers services in sectors such as aviation, retail, real estate, ground handling, and international airport operations.

The company manages terminal facilities, develops commercial spaces, and provides baggage and passenger services. Internationally, it manages airports in countries like Turkey, Bulgaria, and Peru.

The company stock has been covered by 21 analysts with an average price target of $65.08, which represents an upside of 26.1% at the time of writing on September 26. This brings the company to the 9th spot on our list of worst airport stocks to buy.

On September 9, Fraport (OTC:FPRUF) agreed to sell its 10% stake in Delhi International Airport Limited, the operator of Delhi Airport, to GMR Airports Infrastructure Limited (GIL) for $126 million.

It will help the company reduce its net financial debt. Despite the divestment, Fraport will continue to provide support to Delhi Airport through an existing Airport Operator Agreement. The sale is expected to close within 180 days pending approval from the Airports Authority of India and GIL shareholders.