The Airport Traffic Forecasts 2024–2053 from Airports Council International (ACI) World predicts steady global passenger traffic growth over the next three decades.
The report estimates that total passenger traffic will increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.4% from 2024 to 2043, reaching 17.7 billion passengers, and continue expanding at 3% CAGR from 2024 to 2053, hitting 22.3 billion passengers.
One of the most notable trends in the forecast is the faster growth of international travel compared to domestic travel. International passenger traffic is expected to expand at a CAGR of 3.3% from 2024 to 2053, outpacing domestic air travel, which is projected to grow at 2.8% CAGR. This shift highlights the increasing globalization of air travel and the growing demand for cross-border connectivity.
Factors contributing to this trend include relaxed visa policies, stronger airline networks, increased disposable income, and the expansion of global tourism markets. Emerging economies are seeing a surge in outbound and inbound travel, further fueling international passenger growth.
ACI World emphasizes that governments and airport operators must prioritize infrastructure investments to accommodate this rising international traffic. Expanding runway capacity, terminal upgrades, and enhanced air traffic management systems will be essential to ensure a seamless travel experience for passengers worldwide.
