Global air travel is projected to surpass 2019 levels next year, Based on the latest quarterly air travel outlook from Airports Council International (ACI) World. The report reveals that global passenger traffic is expected to recover in early 2024, reaching 9.4 billion passengers. Europe, however, is expected to experience a slower recovery in 2023 and 2024 compared to its sharp uptick during the 2022 summer season. By the end of this year, ACI predicts around 2.3 billion passengers in Europe, or 95.5% of the 2019 level, increasing to around 2.5 billion passengers in 2024, or 101.4% of the 2019 level. Globally, passenger volume in 2023 is expected to reach 8.6 billion passengers, or 94.2% of the 2019 level, and in 2024, it is projected to reach 9.4 billion passengers, surpassing 2019 levels at 102.5%.
Global air travel to surpass 2019 levels next year
The latest quarterly air travel outlook from Airports Council International (ACI) World reveals that global air travel is set to recover in early 2024, with passenger volume reaching 9.4 billion passengers. While Europe experienced a sharp uptick during the 2022 summer season, its recovery is expected to slow down in 2023 and 2024. By the end of this year, Europe is projected to have around 2.3 billion passengers, or 95.5% of the 2019 level. However, the recovery will continue, and by 2024, Europe is expected to reach around 2.5 billion passengers, surpassing the 2019 level.
Recovery in Europe to Slow Down
Europe, which saw a significant recovery during its 2022 summer season, is expected to experience a slower recovery in the coming years. By the end of this year, ACI predicts that Europe will have around 2.3 billion passengers, which is 95.5% of the 2019 level. While the numbers will continue to increase, the pace of recovery will slow down in 2023 and 2024. By 2024, Europe is projected to have around 2.5 billion passengers, or 101.4% of the 2019 level.
Global Passenger Volume Projections
Globally, the ACI report predicts that passenger volume will reach 8.6 billion passengers in 2023, which is 94.2% of the 2019 level. However, the milestone for global air travel recovery is expected to be reached in 2024, with passenger volume surpassing the 2019 levels at 9.4 billion passengers, or 102.5% of the 2019 level. ACI World director general Luis Felipe de Oliveira states that all regions are expected to reach pre-pandemic levels by 2024.
