Airports Council International World’s latest traffic dataset shows global airports handled a record 9.8 billion passengers in 2025, with international travel driving the recovery. The figures, drawn from 2,817 commercial airports worldwide, also show cargo volumes at a record 131.2 million tonnes and aircraft movements rising to 103.1 million, as the industry continues to expand despite a softer outlook for 2026.
Passenger traffic increased 3.7% year on year, with international traffic up 6.1% and domestic traffic up 1.7%. The stronger performance in cross-border travel has become a key feature of the post-pandemic recovery, with many hubs benefiting from long-haul demand and network rebuilding by airlines.
Growth has eased this year amid geopolitical and economic headwinds, including weaker performance in the Middle East during the first half of 2026. Even so, the 2025 numbers underline sustained demand across the airport sector, while cargo and aircraft movements both reached levels not seen before in the ACI World dataset.