Global airline passenger traffic expected to double in 20 years

Airlines expect overall passenger numbers to double over the next two decades from the 4.3 billion who flew last year, with growth led by emerging markets such as Asia Pacific and the Middle East, the main global airline body said Thursday.

The projected surge in traffic could put further pressure on carriers to contribute to the fight against climate change and make progress towards a pledge to reach "net zero" carbon emissions by 2050.

Average annual passenger growth is expected to be 3.6 per cent a year to 2043, compared with a forecast of 9.7 percent growth this year, the International Air Transport Association said in its latest update.

The Asia Pacific region would lead with average growth of 4.8 per cent, propelled by countries like India (6.9 per cent) and China (5.8 per cent) but also Thailand and Vietnam (6.4 per cent each), the IATA said.

Passenger growth in Africa and the Middle East would rise by 3.6 per cent, while Latin American and the Caribbean would see a 2.9 per cent increase.