Airport Growth to Soar in Asia-Pacific and Middle East
Pune, India | December 11, 2025
Airport Growth in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East is expected to accelerate dramatically over the next several years. Airports Council International (ACI) predicts strong increases in passenger traffic from 2025 to 2028, driven by economic expansion and infrastructure investments.
ACI’s short-term forecast, prepared with OAG data, analyzed 1,207 airports across 33 countries in Asia-Pacific and ten in the Middle East. Analysts project a 4.8 percent annual increase in Asia-Pacific passenger numbers, while Middle East airports will experience 5.4 percent yearly growth, surpassing global averages.
The surge in Airport Growth is fueled by growing travel demand and significant airport expansions. Airports are upgrading terminals, enhancing runways, and improving operational efficiency. Furthermore, domestic and international travel are recovering simultaneously, supporting overall aviation growth across both regions.
Southern Asia leads Asia-Pacific Airport Growth, particularly India, with traffic rising 6.3 percent annually. Moreover, domestic travel in India already exceeds pre-COVID levels by 12.6 percent. Similarly, analysts forecast South-East Asia to grow 5.1 percent yearly, with Vietnam leading at 8.1 percent, followed by Thailand and Indonesia.
Eastern Asia will grow 4.3 percent per year, while international traffic rises 6.6 percent due to increasing outbound Chinese travel. Airports in this sub-region are expanding facilities to meet rising demand and strengthen global connectivity.
Middle East airports also anticipate strong traffic recovery. Analysts project domestic passenger growth at 5.5 percent per year, while international traffic continues steady recovery. Saudi Arabia expects passenger volumes to rise from 58 million in 2024 to 72.5 million by 2028, reflecting substantial Airport Growth in infrastructure and capacity.
Major hubs in the UAE and Qatar are investing in terminal expansions and runway upgrades to accommodate rising passenger volumes. These improvements enhance efficiency and support the Middle East’s status as a global aviation hub.
Stefano Baronci, ACI APAC & MID Director General, cautioned that Airport Growth could face risks from geopolitical tensions and supply-chain constraints. Coordinated investment and policy reforms remain critical for sustainable long-term growth.
Airports are modernizing terminals, implementing digital operations, and deploying smart technologies to support passenger flow and operational efficiency. Airport Growth now depends on a combination of physical expansion and technological innovation.
Analysts believe Airport Growth will positively impact regional economies, tourism, and global connectivity. As more travelers fly for leisure, business, and migration, airports serve as key gateways for economic development. Airlines, tourism operators, and ancillary services will benefit from rising passenger volumes.
In conclusion, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East are entering a new era of Airport Growth. Strategic investment, supportive policies, and coordinated planning will ensure long-term leadership in global aviation and connectivity.
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