However, ACI World also points to short-term challenges that could affect this upward trend.
These include geopolitical tensions, economic instability, trade policy changes such as the reintroduction of tariffs, and supply chain bottlenecks. These factors could slow the recovery in certain regions and affect the expected pace of growth.
In terms of differentiating between international and domestic traffic, the former is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 3.3% between 2024 and 2053, while domestic traffic is expected to grow at a slightly lower rate of 2.8%. This suggests a trend towards greater internationalisation of air travel in the coming decades.
Emerging markets will play a crucial role in this growth. The report highlights that a rising middle class and growing demand for air travel will drive expansion in these regions. Investment in airport infrastructure will be critical to support this increase in demand and ensure that airports can handle the increase in passenger traffic.
In addition to passenger traffic, steady growth is anticipated in air cargo. A compound annual growth rate of 2.7% is projected between 2024 and 2043, and 2.4% between 2024 and 2053. However, ACI World cautions that factors such as evolving trade policies and supply chain disruptions could introduce volatility in this sector.
The number of aircraft movements is also expected to increase significantly, reaching 149 million in 2043 and 176 million in 2053. This increase will require airports around the world to improve their operational efficiency and invest in infrastructure to handle the additional volume of flights and ensure safe and efficient operations.
These ACI World forecasts underline the need for strategic planning and investment in the aviation sector to meet the growing demand for air services in the coming decades. The challenges identified will need to be addressed proactively to ensure sustainable and efficient growth in global air traffic.
