Air traffic in 2024: Global air traffic expected to be around 3% above 2019 levels, overview of ICAO Forecasts

According to recent projections by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), 2024 looks set to see global air traffic surpass pre-pandemic levels by 3-4%. This growth is particularly expected if the recovery accelerates in Asian markets, which have not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels. In the first quarter of 2024, passenger traffic is expected to exceed 2019 figures by 2%, with continuity in operating profitability for airlines observed in 2023. However, ICAO warns of potential risks that could negatively impact the sector, including international conflicts.

By the end of 2023, some major air routes had already equalled or surpassed pre-COVID traffic volumes, notably within Europe, between Europe and North America, the Middle East, South-West Asia and Africa, and from North America to Latin America and the Caribbean, South-West Asia, South-East Asia and the Pacific. These developments are reinforced by government commitments to decarbonize air transport by 2050, underlining the importance of environmental sustainability. ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar highlighted the organization's crucial role in promoting the development and adoption of clean technologies, operational improvements and sustainable fuels, essential for decarbonization. ICAO's optimistic forecasts for global air traffic underline the need to accelerate efforts towards sustainability, particularly in the production and use of sustainable aviation fuels.

Source: Air Journal