Air travel demand set to double by 2050, says IATA

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has projected that global air passenger demand will more than double by 2050, according to its latest Long-Term Demand Projections (LTDP).

“The outlook for air travel is positive,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. “People want to travel and, under all our modelled scenarios, the demand to fly is expected to more than double by mid-century. That is good news for global economic and social development because aviation growth will catalyse opportunities, including jobs, around the world.”

Growth will be uneven, with Asia Pacific and Africa leading at a 3.8% and 3.6% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) respectively from 2024 to 2050. Europe and North America are forecast to expand more slowly. The fastest-growing routes include intra-Africa and Africa–Asia Pacific, highlighting the need for investment in infrastructure and regulatory frameworks in emerging markets.

IATA also noted a lasting structural shift from Covid-19, with demand unlikely to return to its previous GDP-aligned trend. While demand remains strong, growth is moderating, with annual expansion projected at 3.1% over the forecast period, reflecting market maturity rather than weakening demand.

Meanwhile, air passenger demand grew by 3.8% at the start of 2026, according to recent IATA data.