The number of air passengers in the world will double by 2042 - forecast
Airports Council International (ACI) World has published a new report forecasting the number of air passengers and the largest markets for air travel demand over the next 30 years.
According to the World Air Traffic Forecasts 2023-2052, global air passenger traffic will reach 9.7 billion by the end of 2024, finally exceeding pre-pandemic levels. It is then projected to double to 19.3 billion by 2042, with domestic traffic reaching 10.6 billion and international traffic reaching 8.7 billion, Business Traveler writes.
In terms of the top 20 markets in terms of total passenger traffic, China is projected to overtake the United States as the number one market by 2042. India will remain in its current third place, and Indonesia will rise from 13th to 4th place.
However, by 2042, the United Kingdom will fall from its current fifth place (behind Spain) to eighth, while Japan and Turkey will rise in the ranking.
Commenting on the news, ACI World CEO Luiz Felipe de Oliveira said: "Forecasts show that global passenger traffic will reach 9.7 billion by the end of 2024, exceeding pre-pandemic levels, and foresees a doubling by 2042 and a 2.5-fold increase by 2052."
As TravelWise wrote, overbooking is becoming more common and is turning into a general trend in the development of modern aviation.