Asia Pacific air passengers to reach 4.1 billion by 2044, with India a key driver, IATA says

India is set to remain central to rising air travel in Asia Pacific, IATA said. The region’s passenger total is expected to reach 4.1 billion by 2044. That compares with 1.7 billion passengers in 2024. The forecast implies 2.4 billion additional travellers over two decades.

Representative image

The International Air Transport Association represents more than 370 airlines worldwide. IATA said these carriers account for about 85 per cent of global air traffic. The outlook was discussed as IATA prepared for major industry meetings in Brazil. The group said Asia Pacific will drive much of future demand.

India air traffic growth and Asia Pacific passenger forecast

At a briefing in the Brazilian city, IATA Regional Vice President for Asia Pacific, Sheldon Hee, on Saturday, said India has been a significant player in the growth story for the Asia Pacific for the last several years. India is one of the worlds fastest-growing domestic civil aviation markets. The growth in the Asia Pacific has been strong over the last 5-10 years, and will continue to be strong in the next decade or so, he said.

Sheldon Hee pointed to several pressures that could affect expansion in the region. Sheldon Hee cited infrastructure gaps, taxation burdens, and over regulation as key concerns. Sheldon Hee also flagged the need for sustainable growth. IATA linked these issues to congestion and capacity limits at busy airports.

IATA air traffic growth and airport capital expenditure plans

IATA estimated airport capital expenditure will exceed USD 2.4 trillion by 2040. More than half of this spending is expected in Asia Pacific. IATA said the investment aims to ease capacity constraints and cut congestion. IATA’s forecast suggests airport upgrades will track fast passenger growth.

Over the next 20 years, several Asia Pacific airports will expand beyond 100 mppa capacity, Sheldon Hee said. The list includes Changi with 140 mppa. It also includes Delhi with 150 mppa. IATA expects such expansions to support projected traffic levels across the region.

Asia Pacific air traffic growth and economic contribution figures

Sheldon Hee said air transport contributes around 2.5 per cent of Asia Pacific GDP. Sheldon Hee added it supports about 2.2 per cent of employment in the region. IATA also cited a wider economic effect linked to aviation activity. These figures were presented alongside the passenger outlook.

As per an estimate, USD 3.70 is generated in other sectors for every USD 1 of value added in aviation. IATA used the estimate to underline how aviation spending links to other industries. The association did not break down the sectors during the briefing. The figure was shared as part of the region’s impact assessment.

IATA air traffic growth and AGM World Air Transport Summit details

The 82nd IATA Annual General Meeting AGM and World Air Transport Summit WATS is taking place in the city from June 6-8. Around 1,500 industry leaders, government officials, and media are expected to attend the summit. IATA said the last AGM held in South America took place in Rio de Janeiro in 1999.

IATA’s projections place Asia Pacific at the centre of long-term aviation expansion. India’s domestic market remains a major part of that demand, IATA said. The association also highlighted funding needs, regulation issues, and sustainability goals. Industry leaders are set to discuss these themes during the June 6-8 meetings.

With inputs from PTI