ACI World sees air cargo rising from 129 MT in 2025 to 262 MT by 2054, driven by ecommerce and trade shifts.
Global air cargo volumes are projected to double by 2052, according to the latest ACI World Airport Traffic Forecasts 2025–2054, which sets a new baseline for long-term aviation demand.
The forecast estimates worldwide air cargo growth from 129 million metric tonnes in 2025 to 262 million metric tonnes by 2054, translating into a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.5%. ACI World said sustained ecommerce demand will continue to support growth, even as trade fragmentation, geopolitical tensions and evolving industrial policies reshape global cargo flows.
The report noted that these forces are driving lane shifts, hub repositioning and greater specialisation among airports. It added that airports and carriers should prepare for differentiated regional performance, reconfigured airline networks and cargo markets increasingly shaped by global trade realignment and supply-chain resilience.
The updated outlook is based on data from 176 markets, including 15 newly added markets, together accounting for more than 99.9% of ACI World Annual Traffic Report coverage. The forecast also integrates a new machine-learning-based demand model designed to better capture evolving global aviation and trade trends.
Source: ACi
