Approximately 7.8 billion passengers will travel by air in 2036, almost doubling contemporary passenger air travel, according to a recent report from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
“All indicators lead to growing demand for global connectivity,” IATA Director-General Alexandre de Juniac said. “It’s fantastic news for innovation and prosperity, which is driven by air links. It is also a huge challenge for governments and industry to ensure we can successfully meet this essential demand.”
IATA’s forecasts said the greatest growth in air travel will come from the Asia-Pacific region, which is estimated to account for more than half of all new passengers. By 2022, China will overtake the United States as the world’s largest aviation market in both flights to and from within the country.
Additionally, the report projected that the United Kingdom will fall to fifth place after being surpassed by India in 2025 and Indonesia by 2026. Thailand and Turkey will enter the top-10 largest markets, while France and Italy will fall to 11th and 12th places, respectively.
The report also provided a series of recommendations for the aviation industry in order to prepare for in the influx of passengers in the coming years, including strengthening partnerships with communities and governments, upgrading existing infrastructure, and expanding facilities.
“Runways, terminals and ground access to airports will come under increasing strain,” IATA said. “Innovative solutions to these challenges, as well as to the baggage and security processes, cargo handling and other activities, will also be needed. And air traffic management needs urgent reform to cut delays, costs, and emissions.”