ACI World today unveiled its Airport Traffic Forecasts 2024–2053, projecting significant long-term growth in global passenger traffic.

According to its projections, over the next three decades, global passenger numbers are expected to reach 17.7 billion by 2043 and 22.3 billion by 2053, the later nearly 2.4 times the projected volume for 2024.

The projections indicate a steady upward trajectory in global aviation, driven by factors such as rising middle-class travel demand in emerging markets, strengthened international travel, and continued investments in airport infrastructure.

However, ACI World warns that short-term challenges include geopolitical tensions, economic instability, trade shifts like reintroduced tariffs, and supply chain bottlenecks, which may slow recovery in some regions.

ACI World director general, Justin Erbacci, said “Despite the challenges in the near term, global air travel is poised for steady, sustained growth.

“It is crucial for airports, airlines, and policymakers to take bold, forward-thinking action to anticipate and meet the demands of the future. ACI World remains unwavering in its commitment to support its airport members, helping them navigate evolving dynamics and seize opportunities ahead.”

Key long-term highlights include international passenger growing at a faster rate than domestic traffic over the next three decades, and strong growth in emerging markets driven by a rising middle class and increasing demand for air travel and investments in airport infrastructure,

Global air cargo is projected to grow steadily, with a CAGR of 2.7% from 2024 to 2043 and 2.4% from 2024 to 2053.

ACI World believes that the Airport Traffic Forecasts 2024–2053 will help airport planners and investors navigate this evolving landscape.

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.