THIS year, global passenger traffic is forecast to reach 9.9 billion with a 4.8 per cent year-over-year growth rate, according to Airports Council International Asia-Pacific & Middle East (ACI APAC & MID).
While passenger demand remains strong, the trade association representing more than 600 airports from 46 countries/territories stated the pace of expansion was expected to slow as markets shifted from recovery-driven surges to structural, long-term patterns.
It said key challenges such as economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and capacity constraints were expected to increasingly shape the industry’s trajectory.
It said in advanced markets, demand stabilisation, supply chain bottlenecks in aircraft production and airport capacity shortage may temper growth, while in emerging markets, higher infrastructure investment and rising middle-class travel demand would likely continue to drive expansion.
Air cargo volumes were estimated to have increased to over 124 million metric tonnes, and global aircraft movements were estimated to be around 100 million last year.
In a statement published on its website last year, ACI APAC & MID said with the Asia-Pacific region growing at an annual rate of 5.8 per cent, more than the global average of 4.3 per cent, the region would account for 40 per cent of global passengers over the next two decades.
It said the 3.4 billion passengers that took to the skies in 2023 were expected to swell over 8.7 billion by 2042, and that meeting that demand required significant investments in infrastructure. ACI APAC & MID’s long-term forecast, as revealed last year, estimates a capital expenditure of $US2.4 trillion (approx $F5.34tn) globally, with Asia-Pacific alone needing $US1.3tn (approx $F2.89tn), including $US579b (approx $F1.29tn) for greenfield airport development.
Last week, ACI APAC & MID revealed that airports in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions were poised to undergo extensive development with a combined investment of $US240b (approx $534bn) – dedicated to both upgrading existing facilities (brownfield projects) and building new airports (greenfield projects) between 2025 and 2035. The institution had conducted a comprehensive survey, comprising more than 30 key airports from the region to assess airport development needs, and the findings indicated a strategic focus on the modernisation of existing airports and development of new airport infrastructure.
Existing and new airports
Of the $US240b, $US136b (approx $F303bn) will be invested in brownfield development – or the modernisation or upgrade of existing airports.
ACI APAC & MID stated that investment would create an additional 680m passenger capacity and 14m tonnes of cargo capacity.
For the greenfield development – or the development of new airports, $US104b (approx $F231bn) will be allocated to build new airports, adding 562m passenger capacity and 57m tonnes of cargo capacity.
According to ACI, the combined investment will create additional capacity for 1.24 billion passengers, the equivalent of more than 13 airports the size of Dubai International Airport – the world’s busiest airport for international passenger; and 71 million tonnes of cargo capacity, which equals nearly 14 times the cargo throughput of Hong Kong International Airport – the top ranked airport for cargo in the world.
It adds that significant increase will ensure airports in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East are well-equipped to handle anticipated future growth.
‘Not just about concrete and runways’
ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East president SGK Kishore said the $US240b investment was not just about concrete and runways, rather more about socio-economic development in the region.
He said enhanced passenger experiences would stimulate tourism and business travel, while bolstered cargo capacity would streamline supply chains, driving regional trade and development.
“We are committed to working with our member airports and stakeholders to ensure these investments deliver tangible results to the local and regional economies,” Mr Kishore said in a statement.
ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East Director General Stefano Baronci said the investment marked a critical step in transforming sector and delivering high-quality experience to passengers. He said the investment would create additional capacity in the medium-to-long- term. However, he added that infrastructure development alone could not support the growth to its full potential.
“In today’s increasingly complex economic landscape, we need the continuous support of governments to further liberalise air transportation and streamline visa policies across region. These are proven drivers of economic development,” Mr Baronci said.
“In contrast, protectionist measures ultimately hinder progress and limit opportunity.”
Mr Baronci said airports in these regions continued to align investment closely with market conditions and passenger demand forecasts, ensuring capital was deployed efficiently and sustainably.
“This disciplined approach reflects a broader commitment to resilient and adaptive infrastructure planning, positioning the sector to support regional growth while maintaining financial prudence and operational agility.”
Long-term outlook
By 2053, the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions are expected to serve nearly 11 billion passengers, close to a three-fold increase from the 3.9 billion passengers in 2024, according to ACI APAC & MID.
To underpin this extensive infrastructure expansion, it stated appropriate adjustments to airport charges would be essential.
“This measure will enable airports to recover capital expenditure, uphold service standards, and accommodate future operational requirements,” ACI APAC & MID stated.
“Charges are to be carefully balanced to ensure affordability for airlines and passengers, while securing continuous investment in critical infrastructure.”
It added sustainability and digitalisation were also fundamental to the next generation of airports.
“This evolution will enable airports to significantly reduce their carbon footprint while providing passengers with faster, smoother, and more efficient travel experiences.”
Appropriate time
Fiji Airports CEO Mesake Nawari said ACI APAC & MID’s investment announcement came at an appropriate time as they embarked on the execution of the Nadi International Airport Master Plan.
“The Master Plan outlines a strategic roadmap for transforming Nadi International Airport into a world-class, sustainable and customer-focused international airport facility that can meet projected passenger and airline growth in the coming years,” Mr Nawari told The Fiji Times.
“As a proud member of the ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East region, Fiji Airports sees this as an encouraging signal for the aviation industry’s future.”
Mr Nawari said the regional investment strategy aligneds with Fiji Airports’ commitment to modernising aviation infrastructure, enhancing operational efficiency and improving passenger experience.
Through the Nadi International Airport Master Plan, significant upgrades and expansions will be undertaken across key areas including terminal facilities, airside capacity, sustainability initiatives and digital innovation.
“This is a period of transformation not only for Fiji Airports but for the wider region.
“We look forward to working closely with our stakeholders, government partners and international stakeholders as we contribute to shaping the future of aviation in the Blue Pacific and beyond.”
Fiji Airports has also earlier announced that a number of projects are in the pipeline as part of the Nadi International Airport Master Plan 2024-2033, and includes upgrading existing facilities and infrastructure, construction of new gates, extension and construction of new car parking lots and new aerobridges to replace the existing passenger boarding tunnels.
Note: This article was first published on the print version of the Fiji Times dated April 25, 2025
