The airline industry has been on a turbulent journey over the past decade, marked by a steady growth trajectory interrupted by a sharp downturn due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This new chart captures the number of scheduled passengers in the global airline industry from 2010 to the forecasted figures for 2024, illustrating the industry’s resilience and recovery.
In 2010, the number of scheduled passengers was approximately 2.5 billion. This figure saw a gradual increase over the next few years, reaching around 2.7 billion in 2012 and climbing to 3.1 billion by 2014. The growth continued, with 3.5 billion passengers in 2016 and a significant rise to 4.3 billion in 2018.
Source: Travel Marketing
However, the pandemic in 2020 caused an unprecedented decline, plummeting the number of passengers to about 1.8 billion as global travel restrictions and lockdowns took effect. This dramatic drop reflects the severe impact of COVID-19 on the airline industry.
The recovery began in 2022, with passenger numbers rebounding to around 3.4 billion. By 2023, the industry was estimated to have recovered to its pre-pandemic levels with approximately 4.3 billion passengers. Looking forward, 2024 is projected to set a new record with an anticipated 4.96 billion scheduled passengers, showcasing the industry’s robust recovery and growth potential.
This visual representation not only highlights the industry’s resilience but also emphasizes the significant challenges and eventual recovery faced over the past decade. It underscores the importance of adaptive strategies and the dynamic nature of the global airline industry in navigating through crises and achieving new milestones.