Airports Council International (ACI) forecasts passenger numbers will grow by 10% in 2024, reaching a global passenger total of 9.5 billion.
The annual World Airport Traffic Report collects passenger, cargo and aircraft data from more than 2,700 airports in over 180 countries and regions.
AVI says it will provide “the most comprehensive overview of the global airport industry and aviation market for the financial year 2023 and the first half of 2024.”
Justin Elbach, executive director of ACI World, said: “The release of our annual World Airport Traffic Report highlights the resilience and adaptability of the global aviation industry and demonstrates ACI World’s unparalleled ability to forecast and analyze industry trends.”
“As we navigate an increasingly complex and evolving situation, ACI World remains committed to supporting our airport members through advocacy efforts and the development of timely resources.
“The insights provided in this report reaffirm ACI World’s 99.99% forecast accuracy and are crucial for aviation stakeholders, policymakers and industry professionals to make informed, data-driven decisions and strategically plan for the future.”
Alongside its 2024 Global Airport Traffic Report, ACI World has also published its Bi-annual Air Traffic Demand Advisory Bulletin.
Notable excerpts from the bulletin include:
Global passenger traffic in 2023: Global passenger traffic in 2023 will reach 8.7 billion, representing a 30.6% increase over 2022, or a 95% recovery from pre-pandemic (2019) figures. Global passenger traffic in 2024: Current forecasts see total passenger traffic reaching approximately 9.5 billion, equivalent to 104% of 2019 levels, representing a 10% year-on-year increase from 2023. Passenger traffic in the first half of 2024: Cumulative passenger traffic through June 2024 has increased 11% year-on-year, reaching 102% of cumulative June 2019 levels. The recovery is driven by international markets, up 17% year-on-year, and domestic markets, up 6% year-on-year. International passenger numbers in 2024: Forecasted to reach 4.1 billion by the end of 2024, accounting for 43% of total passenger numbers. Domestic passenger numbers in 2024: Forecasted to reach 5.4 billion by the end of 2024, accounting for 57% of total passenger numbers.
ACI World said: “Despite favorable macroeconomic developments, including easing inflationary pressures, the medium to long-term outlook remains subject to downside risks, including geopolitical conflicts, labour market bottlenecks and constraints on aircraft deliveries.”
“However, the gradual recovery in international passenger numbers and airlines returning to profitability indicate positive momentum in the aviation industry.”