Middle East Passenger Traffic To Hit Historic High Of 449 Million In 2024

Sunday, October 6, 2024

Love

Middle East air passenger traffic is set to surpass 449 million in 2024, marking a strong recovery and exceeding pre-pandemic levels by 110%.

Middle East air passenger traffic is expected to reach 449 million in 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels and showcasing a robust recovery in global air travel. According to a report released by Airports Council International (ACI) on Thursday, air passenger volumes in the region are set to rise to 110% of 2019 levels by next year, marking a significant milestone in the aviation industry’s post-pandemic resurgence.

The recovery of passenger traffic has been particularly strong in the UAE and across the wider Middle East, reflecting broader global trends. The aviation industry has seen a rapid rebound following the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, with numbers returning to and now exceeding pre-pandemic levels.

Globally, the Asia-Pacific region is projected to lead this growth, with passenger numbers forecasted to grow by 13% year-on-year (YoY), reaching 3.4 billion by the end of 2024. Africa is also anticipated to experience strong recovery, with 244 million passengers expected in 2024, surpassing 2019 levels by 106%.

North America is on track for a 7% YoY growth in passenger traffic, with a total of 2.2 billion passengers projected for 2024, representing 107% of 2019 figures. Europe is also showing strong recovery, with traffic expected to reach 2.5 billion passengers, or 102% of pre-pandemic levels.

Airports Council International World estimates that global air passenger traffic will total around 9.5 billion in 2024, equivalent to 104% of 2019 figures. This recovery is fueled by a 10% YoY growth in passenger numbers. International passenger traffic is forecasted to reach 4.1 billion, accounting for 43% of the global total, while domestic traffic is expected to comprise 57%, with 5.4 billion passengers.

The first half of 2024 saw global passenger numbers increase by 11%, already surpassing June 2019 levels by 2%. In 2023, the total global passenger count reached 8.7 billion, a significant 30.6% rise compared to 2022, bringing the industry back to 95% of its pre-pandemic strength.

This comprehensive analysis included data from over 2,700 airports across more than 180 countries, highlighting the impressive momentum in the aviation sector’s recovery worldwide.