The global aviation industry continues to recover from the shocks of the COVID-19 pandemic. While the past few years have been marked by sharp rebounds in passenger demand, the Montreal-based Airports Council International (ACI) World has projected a new phase for global air travel: one characterized by long-term structural growth rather than recovery-driven surges. 

According to the Airport Traffic Forecasts 2024-2053 released by ACI World on February 26, 2025, global passenger traffic is expected to reach 9.9 Billion in 2025, which represents a 4.8% increase over 2024, when global airports handled 9.5 Billion passengers—a full 9% rise from 2023 and a 104% recovery compared to pre-pandemic 2019 levels. However, ACI cautioned that global aviation faces a more complex growth environment in the years ahead, shaped by economic uncertainty, geopolitical uncertainty, and infrastructure (airline capacity) limitations. These factors, it said, will “increasingly shape the industry’s trajectory.”

The Airport Traffic Forecasts 2024-2053, which encompass 99.8% of global markets across 161 countries, project a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.4% from 2024 to 2043, followed by a slightly slower CAGR of 3% from 2024 to 2053 for total global passenger traffic, with international segments leading the charge.

From Recovery to Structural Growth

ACI World pointed out that although passenger volumes remain robust, the pace of growth is beginning to stabilize. This marks a shift from the rapid recovery seen in the immediate post-pandemic period to more measured, sustainable development across the global aviation sector.

“While passenger demand remains strong, the pace of expansion is expected to slow as markets shift from recovery-driven surges to structural, long-term growth patterns,” ACI World noted in the the Airport Traffic Forecasts 2024-2053.

In advanced markets, this transition may be hindered by several key challenges:

• Stabilization of post-pandemic demand

• Supply chain constraints in aircraft manufacturing

• Airport capacity limitations

In contrast, the Airport Traffic Forecasts 2024-2053 underscores continued robust growth in emerging markets, fueled by a rising middle-class traveler base and an increasing demand for air travel. Investments in airport infrastructure in these regions will be essential to accommodate this growth. These markets, especially in Asia-Pacific and Latin America, are anticipated to experience continued expansion in both domestic and international traffic.

International Travel to Lead Global Growth

Looking further ahead, ACI projects that global airport passenger traffic will nearly double over the next two decades, reaching:

• 17.7 Billion by 2043

• 18.7 Billion by 2045

• 22.3 Billion by 2053

International passenger traffic is projected to grow at a faster rate than domestic traffic over the next three decades. According to ACI World, during next 30 years (2024-2053), international traffic will grow at a CAGR of 3.3%, compared to domestic traffic, which will expand at 2.8% annually over the same period. International passenger traffic is set to grow by 7% in 2025, reaching approximately 4 Billion passengers. By 2043, international volumes are forecast to climb to 7.5 Billion, and by 2053, total global passenger traffic is set to nearly double, reaching 22.3 Billion annually. For the 20-year stretch from 2024 to 2043, passenger traffic is projected to rise to 17.7 Billion, representing a CAGR of 3.4%. This sustained growth in cross-border travel reflects increased globalization, greater air connectivity, and rising disposable incomes, especially in emerging markets.

Air Cargo Growth Amid Global Logistics Shifts

Global air cargo is expected to grow steadily, with a CAGR of 2.7% from 2024 to 2043 and 2.4% from 2024 to 2053. However, ACI World cautions that evolving trade policies and supply chain disruptions could introduce volatility in this sector. According to the Airport Traffic Forecasts 2024-2053, Air Cargo traffic showed significant growth in 2024:

• Global air cargo volumes reached over 124 Million metric tonnes, up 8.4% year-over-year.

• This also marks a 3.9% increase compared to 2019 levels.

• The Top 10 cargo airports handled 32.3 Million metric tonnes, nearly 26% of the global total.

The long-term forecast indicates that the growth was fueled by surging e-commerce demand, disruptions in maritime shipping, and declining jet fuel prices. In 2024, Hong Kong International Airport maintained its position as the busiest cargo hub, followed by Shanghai Pudong and Memphis International.

Meanwhile, according to European airport trade body, ACI EUROPE’s traffic report for January 2025, which was released on March 13, 2025, freight volumes fell -9.1% year-on-year in January 2025. Only four of Europe’s top 10 cargo hubs reported gains:

• Madrid (+6.9%)

• Cologne (+4.2%)

• Liège (+2.8%)

• London Heathrow (+0.5%)

Frankfurt, Istanbul, and Heathrow handled the highest absolute cargo volumes. The report also underscores that even though aircraft movements rose +4.6% over January 2024 but it remained -7.9% below 2019 levels.

Increased Aircraft Movements and Operational Efficiency

The Airport Traffic Forecasts 2024-2053 indicates that aircraft movements worldwide are set to increase significantly. By 2043, 149 Million aircraft movements are expected, growing to 176 Million by 2053. ACI World advises airports to invest now in modernization and expansion efforts to accommodate growing demand and ensure sustainable operations.

Aircraft movements in 2024 were estimated at 100 Million, a 4.3% increase over 2023, recovering to 97.4% of 2019 levels. The Top 10 airports recorded 6.4 Million movements, a 6.5% increase from 2023 and a slight gain over 2019.

The ACI World’s long-term forecast highlights rising middle-class travel demand in emerging markets and continued investment in airport infrastructure as vital factors for meeting the demands of a rapidly growing global passenger base. It also urges industry stakeholders to prepare by enhancing operational efficiency, embracing digital transformation, and scaling infrastructure in line with expected volumes.

Shifting Market Leadership: China to Overtake U.S. by 2042

The ACI World’s Airport Traffic Forecasts 2024-2053 also projects significant shifts in global market leadership. By 2042, ACI World projects:

• China will overtake the United States as the world’s largest aviation market by passenger volume

• India will retain its third-place ranking, solidifying its role as a global air travel powerhouse

• Indonesia, currently 13th, will climb to fourth, underscoring rapid demand growth in Southeast Asia

• Spain will remain in the top five, rounding out the global leaders

Looking Ahead: Challenges and Strategic Priorities

Despite the positive outlook, ACI World acknowledges several near-term risks that could temper growth in some regions. Geopolitical tensions, economic instability, and rising trade tariffs—such as those imposed by U.S. President Donald J. TRUMP  on Canada and Mexico—could dampen air travel demand. Additionally, supply chain bottlenecks in the aviation sector may also constrain performance in certain territories.

At the Airport Traffic Forecasts 2024-2053, ACI World underscores the need for focused investment in key areas:

• Financial sustainability for airport operators

• Modernization of infrastructure to meet rising demand

• Operational efficiency in light of staffing and supply constraints

• Environmental sustainability as a long-term priority

These efforts will be crucial as airports and governments alike work to accommodate the projected near-10 billion passengers in 2025 and beyond.

The Need for Bold Action 

ACI World Director General Justin ERBACCI emphasized the need for proactive measures to meet the demands of a growing aviation market.

“Despite the challenges in the near term, global air travel is poised for steady, sustained growth,” said Erbacci. “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.”

ACI World Unveiled 2024 Rankings of the World’s Busiest Airports

On April 15, 2025 Airports Council International (ACI) World released its preliminary global airport traffic data for 2024, which supports the trend toward renewed global air travel activity and revealing a strong rebound in global air travel as passenger numbers surpassed pre-pandemic levels for the first time since 2019. The latest data also includes the highly anticipated ranking of the world’s busiest airports.

According to ACI World, global passenger traffic approached 9.5 Billion in 2024, up 9% from 2023. This figure also represents a 3.8% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. This continued recovery follows years of disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and underscores the resilience and adaptability of the aviation sector. ACI World’s preliminary global airport traffic data for 2024 projects that the Top 10 busiest airports accounted for 9% of global traffic, handling 855 million passengers, an 8.8% increase year-on-year.

Leading the list once again is Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, followed by Dubai International Airport and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. Notably, Shanghai Pudong International Airport climbed from 21st in 2023 to 10th in 2024—a reflection of China’s reopening, liberalized visa policies, and strategic international route development.

Emerging hubs like Istanbul Airport and New Delhi International Airport continue to perform strongly, leveraging expanded airline networks and improved infrastructure to maintain their rankings.

As it is underscored at the Airport Traffic Forecasts 2024-2053, which was released by ACI World on February 26, 2025,  global passenger traffic is forecast to reach 9.9 Billion in 2025, reflecting a 4.8% year-on-year growth.

“We are seeing a full-circle comeback in global air travel, with many major hubs not only recovering but exceeding pre-pandemic levels,” said Justin ERBACCI, Director General of ACI World. “The continued growth of global passenger traffic signals a robust trajectory, despite macroeconomic and geopolitical headwinds.”

World’s Busiest Airports in 2024

Topping the list once again is Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), which has held the No. 1 position for 26 of the past 27 years. Atlanta served 108.1 Million passengers in 2024, marking a 3.3% increase from 2023.

Dubai International Airport (DXB) retained its No. 2 position, handling 92.3 Million passengers, up 6.1% year-on-year. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) ranked third, with 87.8 Million passengers, reflecting 7.4% growth over 2023 and a remarkable 17% increase over 2019.

Rounding out the top five were Tokyo Haneda (HND) and London Heathrow (LHR), with 85.9 Million and 83.9 Million passengers respectively.

The most significant leap in the rankings came from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), which surged from 21st place in 2023 to 10th in 2024, with a staggering 41% increase in passenger traffic. This growth was driven by expanded visa policies, the resumption of international flights, operational enhancements, and the broader recovery of the Asia-Pacific region, particularly China.

According to ACI World, airports in Istanbul (IST) and New Delhi (DEL) continued to climb the ranks due to airline expansion, infrastructure upgrades, and enhanced international connectivity.

Meanwhile, according to European airport trade body, ACI EUROPE’s traffic report for January 2025, which was released on March 13, 2025, among Europe’s major hubs (40+ Million passengers annually), Istanbul Airport (IST) ranked first with 6.4 Million passengers (+7.1%) in January 2025. Handling 6.3 Million (+5.3%) passengers London Heathrow ranked the second. Rounding out the top five were Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Madrid-Barajas and Amsterdam Schiphol, with 5.3 Million (+10.5%), 5.2 Million (+8.3%) and 4.8 Million (+5.7%) passengers respectively. According to ACI EUROPE’s report the fastest-growing among the major hubs were Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen (+16.2%) and Rome Fiumicino (+11.3%).

Sabiha Gökçen Airport Ranks 2nd in Europe for Passenger Growth

Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport has achieved a remarkable milestone, ranking second in Europe for the highest increase in passenger volume in the first two months of 2025, compared to the same period in 2024. According to the ACI EUROPE, the Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen airport recorded an 8.7% growth in passenger traffic from January to February 2025, solidifying its position as a key player among Europe’s major hubs.

The Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, located on the Anatolian side of Istanbul, ranked 8th among European airports by total passenger volume for both February 2025 and the January-February 2025 period. It also placed second in Europe among major airports – those with a capacity of over 40 million passengers – for passenger volume increase in early 2025, a significant achievement for the airport.

According to ACI EUROPE’s February 2025 Air Traffic Report, the airport’s performance highlights the continued growth of Sabiha Gökçen, reinforcing its status as the second-busiest airport in Türkiye, behind only Istanbul Airport. This impressive growth can be attributed to the recent expansion efforts at the airport, particularly the opening of Sabiha Gökçen’s second runway last year. These improvements have enhanced the airport's operational capacity and allowed for more efficient handling of increasing passenger volumes. Additionally, plans for a new terminal are underway, aiming to further boost the airport's infrastructure and service offerings.

In the ACI EUROPE’s February 2025 Air Traffic Report, Istanbul Airport (IST) also ranked highly, retained its No.2 position on the list of Europe’s top 10 busiest airports by passenger volume in February 2025, behind London Heathrow and ahead of Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG).

Istanbul Airport Launches Simultaneous Triple Runway Operations

Istanbul Airport, Europe’s second busiest airport during first two months of 2025, officially launched simultaneous triple independent runway operations on April 17, 2025. This historic achievement makes Istanbul Airport the first in Europe to implement such a system, and the second worldwide, following the United States, to implement such an advanced operational capacity.

During the official ceremony held at the airport on April 17, Turkish Minister of Transport, Abdulkadir URALOĞLU, highlighted the significance of this development, noting that the airport’s new system enables three aircraft to land or take off simultaneously on fully independent runways.

“This is not only a first for Türkiye, but also for European aviation, and a watershed moment for global aviation,” Minister URALOĞLU said. “After the United States, Türkiye is the only country that has implemented this practice.”

At hiss address Minister URALOĞLU also emphasized that Istanbul Airport has been a visionary project for Türkiye, serving as a global showcase since its opening on October 29, 2018. With a 90 Million annual passenger capacity, the airport has significantly bolstered Türkiye’s status as a key player in the global aviation industry.

“In 2019, its first year of operation, the airport welcomed more than 52 Million passengers, and by 2023, this number rose to over 76 Million. Last year, Istanbul Airport served 80.1 Million passengers. Istanbul Airport now ranks second in Europe in the Major Airports category, which includes airports handling over 40 Million passengers annually, and seventh globally,” Minister URALOĞLU added.

Between April 7 and April 13, 2025, Istanbul Airport averaged 1.464 flights per day, based on data from Eurocontrol, making it the busiest airport in Europe during that period. This achievement reflects the airport's continuous growth and expanding significance as a major aviation hub.

“Now, with simultaneous triple runway operations, we are strengthening our global position even further. This milestone adds power to Istanbul Airport, establishing it as a center that keeps the pulse of global aviation and propels Türkiye’s vision forward,” Minister URALOĞLU said.

With the introduction of the Triple Runway Operations system, Istanbul Airport can now handle simultaneous takeoff and landing operations on three independent runways, increasing the airport's hourly air traffic capacity from 120 to 148 aircraft movements. This operational advancement significantly improves traffic management at Istanbul Airport, while also positively impacting European airspace, making air travel faster, safer, and more efficient. Approximately 500 air traffic controllers underwent 4.500 hours of specialized training to ensure the smooth implementation of this advanced system. The rigorous training ensures that Istanbul Airport can handle the increased traffic flow with optimal safety and efficiency.

The increase of 28 aircraft movements per hour leads to shorter waiting times for airlines, fewer delays for passengers, and a reduction in carbon emissions-enhancing the sustainability of the airport’s operations