Infrastructure investment firm Ancala has acquired an additional 47.1% share in Liverpool John Lennon Airport from The Peel Group, becoming the majority shareholder with a 94.2% holding.

Liverpool City Council retains its 5.8% interest in the airport. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.

“The transaction provides an exit for private real estate and infrastructure investment firm, The Peel Group,” said Ancala.

“The firm first took a 76% stake in the Airport in 1997 when Robert Hough became Chairman.

“Since then, The Peel Group has enabled major projects which have encouraged a sustained period of development and transformation.

“This includes the construction of the new terminal to expand the airport’s capacity and enhance the service it provides to passengers and assembling a best-in-class management team to deliver the business plan.”

Ancala first invested in Liverpool John Lennon Airport in 2019, as part of a joint venture with The Peel Group and Liverpool City Council.

The airport’s revenues have grown 47% since the financial year ending March 31, 2019.

In the financial year ending March 31, 2025, revenues reached £53.9 million as the airport welcomed 5.2 million passengers, a 21% increase year-on-year. In August 2025, the airport recorded its busiest ever month with more than 616,000 passengers.

Liverpool John Lennon Airport CEO John Irving said: “Ever since Ancala invested in 2019, its team has been highly proactive and supportive of our mission to deliver a faster, easier and friendlier experience for our customers.

“With Ancala’s increased commitment to the airport, I’m confident we’ll continue to build on our momentum as we expand airline partnerships and welcome more passengers.

“I would like to thank The Peel Group for their original vision, long-term investment and dedication to Liverpool John Lennon Airport. Their contribution over the last 28 years has been instrumental in transforming the airport into the nation’s favourite.”

Tim Power, Partner, Ancala, said: “Liverpool John Lennon Airport is one of Europe’s top performing airports.

“Since our initial investment, we have worked closely with John, Liverpool City Council, the wider management team and our shareholders to unlock value creation opportunities which have enabled the business to provide its industry-leading services to even more customers.

“We would especially like to thank The Peel Group for their continued trust in us and for our long-standing and successful business partnerships.

“Ancala is proud of the strong partnership we’ve built with Liverpool City Council and we look forward to continuing our collaborative work to support the region’s growth and prosperity.

“Increasing our stake reflects our continued confidence in the airport and its future potential. Through increasing our stake, we were also pleased to offer an attractive co-investment opportunity to our institutional investor base as we drive the airport’s next phase of growth.”

Cllr Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said: “The longstanding and constructive relationship we’ve shared with Peel and Ancala, whose commitment to the airport has driven significant investment and regeneration, has helped to establish Liverpool John Lennon Airport as one of the best in the UK.

“We’re looking forward to continuing the positive and collaborative partnership we already have with Ancala, delivering continued growth and opportunity for the airport and our city.”

Peel Group CEO Steven Underwood said: “The Peel Group is proud of the remarkable progress and success of the airport since our initial investment in 1997. Over the years, the airport has not only seen significant growth in passenger numbers and popularity but has also become renowned for the quality of its infrastructure and the overall passenger experience.

“With Ancala’s deep understanding of the airport, their passion for its continued success and a proven track record, we are confident that this new chapter supported by an exceptional management team will enable the airport to build on its strong foundations and continue its trajectory of growth and performance.

“The Peel Group remains a committed supporter and customer of the airport through our broader investments in Liverpool and the Northwest. We extend our best wishes to Ancala, Liverpool City Council and all the airport staff for continued success in the future.”