This year, global passenger traffic is projected to reach an estimated 9.9 billion, reflecting a growth rate of 4.8% year-over-year, according to Airports Council International Asia-Pacific & Middle East (ACI APAC & MID). While demand for air travel continues to be robust, ACI anticipates a moderation in growth as the market transitions from recovery dynamics to more established long-term trends.
The association points out that critical issues, including economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and capacity limitations, are expected to significantly influence the travel industry’s development trajectory. In more advanced markets, demand stabilization and supply chain challenges, particularly in aircraft production, alongside airport capacity shortages, may inhibit growth. Conversely, emerging markets are likely to benefit from increased infrastructure investment and a burgeoning middle class eager to travel.
In terms of air cargo, volumes are forecasted to exceed 124 million metric tonnes, with global aircraft movements estimated around 100 million for the previous year. Notably, the Asia-Pacific region is set to outperform the global average, growing at an annual rate of 5.8% and expected to account for 40% of global air traffic over the next two decades.
The projected increase in air travel highlights the urgent need for substantial investments in infrastructure. ACI’s long-term forecasts indicate that to accommodate increasing passenger numbers—which could rise from 3.4 billion in 2023 to over 8.7 billion by 2042—a global capital expenditure of $2.4 trillion will be necessary, with Asia-Pacific alone requiring $1.3 trillion for various airport developments.
Last week, ACI revealed that extensive airport developments in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions are set to involve a substantial investment of $240 billion from 2025 to 2035. This investment strategy will focus on both upgrading existing airport facilities and constructing new ones, with an emphasis on enhancing the passenger experience and supporting socio-economic growth.
Of this total, $136 billion is earmarked for brownfield projects aimed at modernizing current airports, adding capacity for 680 million passengers and 14 million tonnes of cargo. The remaining $104 billion will fund greenfield projects to build new airports, expected to accommodate an additional 562 million passengers and 57 million tonnes of cargo. Collectively, these developments could create capacity for an impressive 1.24 billion passengers—equivalent to more than 13 airports the size of Dubai International Airport.
ACI’s president, SGK Kishore, emphasized that these investments are not merely constructed of “concrete and runways” but are fundamentally tied to regional socio-economic advancement, enhancing tourism, business travel, and facilitating trade through improved supply chains.
Fiji Airports’ CEO Mesake Nawari expressed optimism regarding the alignment of these regional investment strategies with the planned enhancements under the Nadi International Airport Master Plan, aiming to establish Fiji as a premier travel destination in the region.
The long-term outlook remains positive, with projections suggesting that by 2053, the Asia-Pacific and Middle East will serve close to 11 billion passengers—almost tripling from 3.9 billion in 2024. As the aviation industry evolves, ensuring a balance between infrastructure costs and affordability for airlines and travelers will be crucial for sustainable growth.
In closing, this collective focus on airport development establishes a hopeful vision for the air travel sector, promising greater connectivity, economic opportunities, and improved traveler experiences in the years ahead.
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