Asia is forecast to drive global aviation growth over the next two decades, with India, China and South-east Asia expected to account for eight of the world’s 10 fastest-growing air travel markets between 2024 and 2044.
The findings are outlined in a new whitepaper released by Alton Aviation Consultancy ahead of the 2026 Singapore Airshow.
According to the report, international passenger traffic in Asia-Pacific grew by eight per cent in 2025, exceeding global revenue passenger kilometre growth of 6.8 per cent. Airlines across the region have launched more than 600 new routes since 2015, expanding access to secondary and underserved destinations and strengthening regional connectivity.
India is identified as one of the fastest-growing aviation markets globally, supported by economic growth and rising demand for air travel. While China remains a major contributor to regional traffic, the report notes increasing momentum in South-east Asia, particularly in Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines.
The whitepaper also points to near-term opportunities on unserved and underserved routes. Advances in longer-range narrowbody aircraft are expected to support new point-to-point services between secondary cities, allowing airlines to operate routes that were previously not viable for widebody aircraft.
The report also observes a rise in airline consolidation across Asia as carriers respond to cost pressures and competitive conditions. While demand remains strong, financial challenges are prompting airlines to reassess operating models and pursue structural changes to support longer-term resilience.
To accommodate projected growth, governments and airport operators across the region are progressing major infrastructure developments and introducing new technologies aimed at improving capacity, efficiency and passenger handling.
“Asia’s air travel story is no longer just about China. The growth we’re seeing in South and South-east Asia is broad-based. Airlines are responding with strategic moves, from entering new markets and renewing fleets to forging ambitious partnerships that reflect the region’s evolving competitive dynamics,” said Mabel Kwan, managing director in Alton’s Singapore office.
“We’re seeing patterns that echo past restructuring cycles in North America and Europe. But in Asia, this shift is unfolding against a backdrop of ongoing traffic growth, which presents a very different kind of opportunity,” added Adam Cowburn, managing director in Alton’s Singapore office.
The report, Repositioning for Resilience: Managing Volatility and Unlocking Long-Term Growth, can be viewed here.
Tan has more than 30 years of experience across the public and private sectors in Singapore. He was previously CEO of JTC Corporation.
