ACI forecasts 10% growth in passenger traffic, 9.5 billion travellers

Airports Council International (ACI) World has projected 10 per cent growth for passenger traffic in 2024, with an estimated 9.5 billion travellers expected in the air this year.

The leap represents 104 per cent of the 2019level and a 10 per cent year-on-year growth from 2023. In its recently released 2024 Annual World Airport Traffic Report, 2024 international passenger traffic is expected to reach 4.1 billion by the end of 2024, accounting for 43 per cent of total passengers. 2024 domestic passenger traffic is also projected to reach 5.4billion by the end of 2024, making up 57 per cent of the total.

The report, which drew data from over 2,700airports across more than 180 countries and territories, disclosed that by June2024 year-to-date (YTD), total passenger traffic increased by 11 per cent YoY, reaching 102 per cent of the June 2019 YTD level. The international market, driving recovery, saw a 17 per cent YoY increase, while the domestic market grew by six per cent YoY.

ACI World Director General, Justin Erbacci, said that the release of the 2024 Annual World Airport Traffic Report highlights the resilience and adaptability of the global aviation industry and demonstrates ACI World’s unmatched ability to predict and analyse industry trends.

Describing the sector as an increasingly complex and evolving landscape, Erbacci said that “the insights provided in this report—reaffirming ACI World’s 99.99 per cent forecasting accuracy—are crucial for aviation stakeholders, policymakers, and industry professionals to make informed, data-driven decisions and strategically plan for the future.”

Chief Executive Officer/Founder of CITA Aviation Fuelling Company Limited, Thomas Ogungbangbe, said that passenger traffic in the aviation sector is closely tied to economic activities. According to him, a robust economy generates increased business and leisure travel, leading to higher passenger volumes, and the country’s focus must be on stimulating economic growth and activities that will, in turn, boost demand for air travel.

“Singapore, with a population of 6.03million, registered 16.5 million passenger movements through Changi Airport in the first three months of 2024. Additionally, Hong Kong, with a population of7.5 million, recorded a 12-month rolling passenger volume of 44 million. These figures highlight significant potential for passenger traffic when favourable economic conditions align with strategic investments.”