Dubai: Airports Council International (ACI) World's latest data confirms a substantial recovery in global air travel. With 8.7 billion passengers recorded, the industry witnessed a 30.5% increase compared to 2022, nearing a complete recovery from the pandemic's impact.
Regional revival
ACI World Director General Luis Felipe de Oliveira attributes part of this growth to the resurgence of Asia-Pacific and Middle Eastern hubs. China's reopening significantly boosted air travel, propelling Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport back into the top rankings.
Aircraft movements
The global air travel recovery is further reflected in aircraft movements, which neared 96 million in 2023, marking a 12.6% increase from 2022. Notably, US airports featured prominently among the top 20 busiest, with Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport leading the pack.
Airport rankings
The report also dives into detailed statistics, revealing changes in airport rankings. Significant gains by Incheon International Airport and Shanghai Pudong highlight the dynamic nature of global air traffic patterns.
Cargo volumes dip
Despite a slight decrease of 1.8% in air cargo volumes, major hub airports like Hong Kong remain crucial players. These airports navigate geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions to maintain cargo flow.
Highly accurate data informs industry planning
The dataset's accuracy, confirmed at 99.88% against earlier forecasts, underscores ACI World's robust data collection and analysis capabilities. This information is crucial for informed decision-making and development within the air travel industry.
Airport resilience and connectivity
As airports worldwide navigate the path to recovery and adaptation, ACI World continues to advocate for their critical role in social and economic development. The organization works to ensure the resilience of airports and their enduring contribution to global connectivity.