Aerospace Global News
Chloe Greenbank
27 February 2025
Despite challenges that include geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty and trade disruptions, Airports Council International (ACI) World anticipates substantial long-term growth in global passenger traffic.
ACI World, the global airports trade body, has released its Airport Traffic Forecasts for 2024-2053, projecting substantial long-term growth in global passenger traffic. It forecasts passenger numbers will hit 17.7 billion by 2043 and 22.3 billion by 2053.
The airport industry body’s predictions cover 99.8% of global markets across 61 countries, indicating a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.4% from 2024 to 2043. From 2024 to 2053, the growth rate is expected to slow slightly to a 3% CAGR. ACI’s projections point to a consistent upward trend in global aviation, driven by factors including rising middle-class travel demand in emerging markets, stronger international travel, and ongoing investments in airport infrastructure.
