Global air travel is expected to reach 9.8 billion passengers in 2025, marking a major step toward the historic 10 billion milestone, according to the latest World Airport Traffic Report (WATR) by Airports Council International (ACI) World. The report, based on data from over 2,800 airports across more than 185 countries and territories, highlights international travel as the key driver of aviation’s post-pandemic recovery, though regional disparities and ongoing challenges suggest a mixed global outlook.
ACI World Director General Justin Erbacci said the 2025 projection underscores aviation’s central role in global mobility and economic growth. “International travel remains the main engine of recovery, but regional variations reflect a combination of structural strengths, policy challenges, and evolving travel patterns,” he noted. “To sustain long-term demand, regulators must enable better connectivity and foster resilience through supportive policies and sustainable frameworks.”
The report forecasts a 3.7% year-on-year increase in total passenger traffic from 2024, fueled by a 5.3% rise in international travel compared to just 2.4% for domestic routes. By mid-2025, international traffic had already grown 4.9% year-on-year, while domestic traffic slipped 0.7%, signaling shifting traveller priorities toward cross-border movement.
Africa’s aviation market is poised for strong momentum, with passenger volumes expected to climb 9.4% to 273 million in 2025, led by Northern Africa and a surge in tourism and middle-class travel demand. Asia-Pacific is projected to handle 3.6 billion passengers, up 5.6%, driven by Southern and Southeast Asia’s expanding networks, though East Asia’s growth remains cautious.
In Europe, passenger volumes are forecast to surpass 2.5 billion next year, with international travel powering growth while domestic numbers lag, partly due to the rising popularity of rail. The Latin America–Caribbean region is projected to reach 789 million passengers, buoyed by leisure travel and low-cost carrier expansion. Meanwhile, the Middle East’s traffic is expected to grow 5.9% to 466 million passengers, supported by tourism and infrastructure investment despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainties. North America is set to hit 2.1 billion passengers, showing steady but slower gains than emerging markets.
Overall, the global aviation sector is expanding, but unevenly. Developing regions are leading the charge with rapid infrastructure and carrier growth, while mature markets face headwinds from demographic shifts, regulatory complexity, and changing traveller behaviour. ACI World’s findings highlight that while the industry’s recovery is robust, its trajectory remains sensitive to economic and political developments worldwide.
