ACI World projects 22.3 billion passengers by 2053

Passenger Terminal Today
Elizabeth Baker
26 February 2025

According to Airports Council International (ACI) World’s Airport Traffic Forecasts 2024–2053 report, global passenger numbers are expected to reach 17.7 billion by 2043 and 22.3 billion by 2053 – nearly 2.4 times the projected volume for 2024.

The new forecasts, which cover 99.8% of global markets across 161 countries, highlight a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.4% from 2024 to 2043, with a slightly slower CAGR of 3% from 2024 to 2053. 

Between 2024 and 2043, global passenger traffic is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.4%, reaching 17.7 billion passengers. By 2053, global passenger traffic is expected to nearly double, reaching 22.3 billion, reflecting a CAGR of 3% from 2024 to 2053.

From 2024 to 2053, international traffic is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 3.3%, while domestic traffic will expand at a slightly slower pace of 2.8%.

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