Number of global air passengers predicted to double the 2016’s 3.8 billion by 2035

May 2, 2017

According to IATA (International Air Transport Association) 20-year air passenger forecast, the number of global passengers is expected to be over 7.2 billion by 2035; nearly doubling 2016’s 3.8 billion.

IATA has revealed five nations where fastest-growing markets in terms of additional passengers per year over the forecast period will be observed. China will hold the largest passenger market by 2035 (817 million new passengers for a total of 1.3 billion) followed by US (484 million new passengers for a total of 1.1 billion), India (322 million new passengers for a total of 442 million), Indonesia (135 million new passengers for a total of 242 million) and Vietnam (112 million new passengers for a total of 150 million).

In terms of region, Asia Pacific will be the highest passenger market holder over the forecast period with 1, 836 million passengers (4.7% growth rate) followed by Europe with 570 million (2.5% growth rate), North America with 535 million (2.8% growth rate), Latin America with 345 million (3.8% growth rate) and Africa with 192 million (5.1% growth rate).

The forecast also found that in the next 20 years the real cost of air travel is expected is decrease at a rate of 1-1.5% per year.

Source: International Air Transport Association (IATA)