- India, China and Southeast Asia will drive global air travel growth over next two decades.
- Rising middle classes, economic expansion and better connectivity are boosting passenger demand across Asian markets.
- Airlines and airports are expanding fleets, routes and infrastructure to support long-term regional aviation growth.
The new white paper which will be presented at the 2026 Singapore Airshow shows that Asia will produce the highest growth rate for global air travel between now and the next twenty years. The study shows that eight out of ten markets with the highest air travel growth between 2024 and 2044 will operate from this area, which proves that Asia now serves as the primary source for global aviation demand.
According to the Alton Aviation Consultancy whitepaper international air traffic in the Asia-Pacific region experienced an 8% increase during 2025 which surpassed the global growth rate of approximately 6.8%. The increase demonstrates the growing passenger demand and improved airport linkages which connect new destinations.
Since 2015 regional airlines have created more than 600 new routes which enable better travel to previously inaccessible destinations and enhance the connections between different areas of the region. India stands as one of the world's fastest-growing markets because its economic growth supports the development of its middle class and more people travel by air.
China maintains its market leadership position through its extensive domestic and global airline operations while Indonesia Vietnam and the Philippines from Southeast Asia emerge as vital forces driving regional economic development.
Also read: Indonesia Joins Asia's Dominance in Global Tourism Growth
The report identifies major possibilities on routes which currently lack service and which have only partial service because the introduction of extended-range narrow-body aircraft will create new direct flight connections between secondary cities which were previously hard to reach.
The Asia-Pacific region has become more significant in air cargo operations because it now handles a major portion of worldwide freight traffic which demonstrates its vital role in international supply chain networks.
The regional governments together with airport authorities are funding modern infrastructure projects which include advanced technological systems and capacity expansion initiatives to maintain ongoing aviation development while improving passenger travel services.
The forecast shows that Asia functions as the main driver which determines the future development of international air travel. India China and Southeast Asia will become the main drivers of air travel demand while they establish new patterns of air travel for the upcoming decades.