Air Travel to Soar to 9.8 Billion Passengers by 2025
Air travel is set to soar, with global passenger numbers projected to reach 9.8 billion by 2025. This growth, led by strong international demand, underscores aviation's crucial role in mobility and economic growth.
Europe is expected to lead this surge, with over 2.5 billion passengers forecast. Asia-Pacific is anticipated to be the region with the highest number of passengers, at 3.6 billion, driven by Southern and Southeast Asia. The Middle East is also expected to rise significantly, reaching 466 million passengers, supported by investment and tourism. Africa is projected to reach 273 million passengers, reflecting robust tourism and a growing middle class.
The growth is projected to be steady, with passenger numbers in 2025 expected to grow by 3.7% year-on-year. International traffic is expected to expand by 5.3%, highlighting the importance of international connectivity.
Justin Erbacci, Director General of Airports Council International (ACI) World, emphasizes the need for supportive policies to ensure long-term resilience and sustainable growth. The ACI World's World Airport Traffic Report, which provides data from over 2,800 airports in over 185 countries, supports this projection. Sustaining global demand will depend on policies that strengthen connectivity and support the industry's resilience.