Asia-Pacific and Middle East airports set for strong growth in passenger traffic 

Airports Council International Asia-Pacific & Middle East (ACI APAC & MID), the trade group representing over 600 airports, has projected a period of strong and sustained growth in passenger traffic across Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions. 

The updated version of ACI APAC & MID’s Short Term Forecast 2025-2028, developed in partnership with OAG, covers 1,207 airports across 33 countries in Asia-Pacific and 10 in the Middle East. The forecast anticipates 4.8% annual passenger growth in Asia-Pacific and 5.4% in the Middle East during the 2025–2028 period.

The growth is supported by resilient economic fundamentals, renewed travel demand, and airport investments. India and Vietnam continue to lead Asia-Pacific’s surge in both domestic and international travel, while Saudi Arabia is rapidly emerging as a powerhouse in the Middle East through mega–airport developments in the pipeline. Together, these markets are setting the pace for the next wave of passenger growth across the regions.

Stefano Baronci, Director General of ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East, said: “Our outlook reaffirms that the region’s airports are entering a next phase of growth. With strong macro-economic fundamentals, renewed international travel demand, and record levels of airport investment, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East are expected to remain the world’s most dynamic aviation markets through the decade. Despite the strong upward trajectory, geopolitical tensions and supply-side challenges around the region continue to cast uncertainty over the industry.”

“To support this growth, our airports are not only optimising the use of existing infrastructure but also preparing for the next phase of expansion, with massive investments that will require adequate financing and revenue diversification. Stronger government support too is crucial to liberalise air transport, modernise outdated slot allocation rules, and streamline visa policies across the region, all proven drivers of economic development.”
 

Asia-Pacific and Middle East airports set for strong growth in passenger traffic 

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Asia-Pacific Overview 
Overall passenger traffic is set to grow 4.8% annually between 2025-2028, supported by ongoing recovery, rising airport capacity, new airlines, and aircraft deliveries. Some markets remain below pre-COVID in international capacity due to geopolitical and supply chain factors, but overall demand outlook is strong. Despite ongoing supply-chain challenges and aircraft delivery delays, the region is expected to surpass pre-pandemic levels in most segments by 2026 or earlier.

Asia-Pacific Subregional Outlook (2025-2028)

• Southern Asia: Leads growth at 6.3% annually and is already 12.6% above pre-COVID levels, powered by India.
• South-eastern Asia: The growth is forecast at 5.1%, with 2025 still 6.6% below 2019 due to aircraft delays and weak Chinese outbound travel. Vietnam leads with 8.1% growth, while Thailand and Indonesia trail at about 4%.
• Eastern Asia: Will grow at 4.3% CAGR, slightly below the Asia-Pacific average (4.8%) due to slow economic momentum in major markets. International traffic grows 6.6% CAGR, led by China’s outbound rebound at 10.3%. 
• Oceania: The region is expected to grow at 3.3% through 2028. Despite passenger traffic in 2025 remaining 2.3% below 2019, demand remains steady, with international growth averaging around 4.3% annually between 2024-2028. Australia and New Zealand dominate the region, accounting for 90% of all passengers

Asia-Pacific: International and Domestic Outlook 

• Domestic: Southern Asia grows fastest (6.3%), led by India. Vietnam drives strong domestic growth in South-eastern Asia.
• International: Eastern Asia leads with China’s outbound rebound (10.3% growth; full recovery by 2027). Strong growth is expected from India at 6.5%, Thailand (3.8%), Japan (4.6%), and Australia (5.4%).

Growth Drivers of Asia-Pacific 

• India drives Southern Asia’s growth, adding 100 million domestic passengers by 2028; international demand stays strong with new long-range aircraft.
• Eastern Asia’s 6.6% CAGR is fueled by China’s outbound rebound, with 10.3% international growth.  
• Hong Kong posts a strong 9.2% CAGR, with full recovery to 2019 levels expected next year.
• Vietnam drives South-eastern Asia’s rebound with 8.1% annual passenger growth; full sub-regional recovery expected in 2027.

Middle East Overview 
Overall passenger traffic will grow 5.4% annually (2025-2028), driven by massive airport investment. 

 Platforms for Growth 

• Saudi Arabia, the region’s largest domestic market, will grow from 58 million passengers in 2024 to 72.5M in 2028, a 5.5% annual increase.
• Saudi Arabia’s King Salman International Airport in Riyadh will scale to 120 million passenger capacity by 2030 and 185 million by 2050, with five runways, as a core Vision 2030 project.
• Dubai is relocating its hub to Dubai World Central, targeting 260 million passengers and five runways. 
• Abu Dhabi’s upgraded Zayed International is driving strong growth. 

Middle East: International and Domestic Outlook 

• International: International passengers will grow 5.3% a year, driven by strong demand as the region strengthens its role as a global hub and major leisure–business destination.
• Domestic: Middle East domestic traffic is set to grow 5.5% annually between 2025-2028. Saudi Arabia is the region’s largest domestic market that is expected to grow from 58 million passengers in 2024 to 72.5 million in 2028, a 5.5% annual increase supported by Air Arabia’s new Dammam base and the launch of Riyadh Air.