Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

India May Surpass UK To Become World’s Third Largest Aviation Market Around 2024: IATA

India is expected to surpass the UK to become world’s third largest aviation market (defined as traffic to, from and within the country) after China and the US around 2024, said International Air Transport Association (IATA) in its latest 20-Year Air Passenger Forecast on Wednesday (24).

China will displace the US as the world’s largest aviation market in the mid-2020s. The rebalancing of China’s economy towards consumption will support strong passenger demand over the long term, IATA said.


Indonesia is forecast to be a standout performer, climbing from the world’s 10th largest aviation market in 2017 to the fourth largest aviation market by 2030.

Thailand is expected to enter the top 10 markets in 2030, replacing Italy which drops out of the ranking.

The Asia-Pacific region will drive the biggest growth with more than half the total number of new passengers over the next 20 years coming from these markets. Growth in this market is being driven by a combination of continued robust economic growth, improvements in household incomes and favourable population and demographic profiles.

Fastest growing aviation markets in terms of annual additional O-D passengers from 2017 to 2037 (constant policies scenario) include China, the US, and India.

Accordingly, China is expected to add one billion new passengers for a total of 1.6 billion during 2017-2037 period followed by US 481 million new passengers for a total of 1.3 billion, and India 414 million new passengers for a total of 572 million.

The present trends in global air transport suggest that passenger numbers could double to 8.2 billion in 2037.

The latest update to IATA’s 20-Year Air Passenger Forecast shows that an increasing shift Eastwards in the center of gravity of the industry is behind the continued strong growth. Over the next two decades, the forecast anticipates a 3.5 per cent compound annual growth rate (CAGR), leading to a doubling in passenger numbers from today’s levels.

The association warned, however, that growth prospects for air transport and the economic benefits driven by aviation could be curtailed if protectionist measures are implemented by governments.

“Aviation is growing, and that is generating huge benefits for the world. A doubling of air passengers in the next 20 years could support 100 million jobs globally. There are two important things that stand out about this year’s forecast. Firstly, we are seeing a geographical reshuffling of world air traffic to the East. And secondly, we foresee a significant negative impact on the growth and benefits of aviation if tough and restrictive protectionist measures are implemented,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and CEO.

IATA represents some 290 airlines comprising 82 per cent of global air traffic.

More For You

Greg Norman calls for more
golf events in ‘sleeping giant’ India

Greg Norman

Greg Norman calls for more golf events in ‘sleeping giant’ India

Eastern Eye

INDIA is a sleeping giant in golf, Australian legend Greg Norman has said, as he called for more tournaments to be held in the country to help players realise their true potential.

The 69-year-old former world number one, who has 88 professional titles under his belt, spoke of his optimism for India’s growth in the sport.

Keep ReadingShow less
Rahim Al-Hussaini

Prince Rahim is the eldest son of Aga Khan IV and his first wife, Princess Salimah.

Rahim Al-Hussaini succeeds Aga Khan IV as leader of Ismaili Muslims

PRINCE Rahim Al-Hussaini has been appointed as the 50th hereditary Imam, or spiritual leader, of Ismaili Muslims following the unsealing of the will of his late father, His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV.

The announcement was made by the Aga Khan Development Network on Wednesday.

Keep ReadingShow less
BAPS opens largest Hindu temple and cultural hub of southern hemisphere in Johannesburg

BAPS Hindu temple and cultural complex in Johannesburg

BAPS opens largest Hindu temple and cultural hub of southern hemisphere in Johannesburg

Eastern Eye

THE largest Hindu temple and cultural complex in the southern hemisphere was unveiled in Johannesburg last Sunday (2) with scores of worshippers participating in a ceremony to mark the occasion.

Although fewer than two per cent of South Africans identify as Hindu, it is the most followed religion among the country’s Indian community.

Keep ReadingShow less
Rekesh Chauhan brings Indian classical-jazz fusion to Liverpool International Jazz Festival

Rekesh Chauhan

Rekesh Chauhan brings Indian classical-jazz fusion to Liverpool International Jazz Festival

ALTHOUGH he is an accomplished composer, British pianist Rekesh Chauhan BEM is at his very best in front of a live audience.

The multi-award-winning music maestro joins top tabla player Kousic Sen for a concert at this year’s Liverpool International Jazz Festival, taking place at The Capstone Theatre in Liverpool on February 22. The versatile duo will explore the dynamic intersection of Indian classical music and jazz in the culturally rich Beyond Roots show.

Keep ReadingShow less
5 best wireless headphones in 2025:Top picks for every budget in the UK

Discover the top wireless headphones of 2025 for every lifestyle and budget

iStock

5 best wireless headphones in 2025:Top picks for every budget in the UK

Wireless headphones are no longer just a luxury; they’re a lifestyle essential. Whether you’re blasting your favourite playlist on your morning commute across London, tuning out distractions while working from home, or hitting the gym, the right pair can make all the difference. But with countless options flooding the market, how do you choose? Don’t worry—we’ve done the hard work for you. From premium noise-cancelling powerhouses to wallet-friendly gems, here are the five best wireless headphones to elevate your audio game in 2025. Here’s our list:

1. Bowers & Wilkins Px8 (2025 Edition): A standout choice for UK audiophiles, the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 combines British craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. Known for their luxurious design and exceptional sound quality, these over-ear headphones feature enhanced noise cancellation and up to 35 hours of battery life. Whether you’re navigating the Tube or enjoying a quiet evening at home, the Px8 delivers a rich, immersive listening experience.

Keep ReadingShow less