PT World
Alex Pack
01 October 2025
Global air travel is projected to reach 9.8 billion passengers in 2025, edging closer to the historic 10 billion milestone, according to Airports Council International’s (ACI) newly released World Airport Traffic Report (WATR).
Global highlights
- 2025 global passenger traffic is projected to reach 9.8 billion passengers, reflecting a 3.7% year-on-year (YoY) growth from 2024.
- International traffic is expected to grow 5.3% in 2025, compared to 2.4% for domestic traffic.
- By mid-2025 year-to-date (YTD), global passenger traffic was up 2.1% YoY; international traffic grew 4.9% YoY, while domestic traffic contracted 0.7% YoY.
Regional highlights
- Africa: Forecasted to reach 273 million passengers in 2025 (+9.4% YoY), led by Northern Africa and boosted by tourism and rising middle-class demand.
- Asia-Pacific: Forecasted to reach 3.6 billion passengers in 2025 (+5.6% YoY), with Southern and Southeast Asia driving growth; East Asia’s outlook remains cautious.
- Europe: Forecasted to reach over 2.5 billion passengers in 2025 (+3.6% YoY); international travel leading growth, while domestic volumes lag due to rail gains.
- Latin America: Forecasted to reach 789 million passengers in 2025 (+4.1% YoY); momentum supported by leisure demand and low-cost carrier expansion.
- Middle East: Forecasted to reach 466 million passengers in 2025 (+5.9% YoY); underpinned by investment and tourism, though risks from geopolitical instability remain.
- North America: Forecasted to reach 2.1 billion passengers in 2025.
Global air travel to reach 9.8 billion passengers in 2025 - Passenger Terminal Today - 01 Oct 2025
